I still remember the first time I wrote an important report and paused at one small word: “its or it’s?” It was only two letters, yet it completely changed the meaning of my sentence.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether to use its or it’s, you are not alone. Students, writers, and even professionals make this mistake all the time.
The challenge comes from the fact that they sound identical but serve completely different functions in writing.
In this guide, I will explain everything — from grammar rules and examples to pronunciation, UK usage, quizzes, and exercises — so that by the end, you’ll confidently know exactly when to use its and when to use it’s.
Quick Answer
- It’s = contraction of it is or it has
- Its = shows possession
Examples:
- It’s raining heavily today.
- The dog wagged its tail.
💡 Quick Tip: Replace the word with it is or it has. If it makes sense → it’s, otherwise → its.
The Origin of Its or It’s
- It’s comes from Middle English, when contractions were commonly used in writing.
- Its as a possessive pronoun developed to show ownership without an apostrophe, unlike other possessives like John’s or the company’s.
This is why many learners wrongly think its needs an apostrophe — it doesn’t.
British English vs American English Spelling
The good news? There is no spelling difference between UK and US English for its or it’s.
- It’s and its are universally correct.
- Usage rules, grammar, and meaning remain identical.
- Only challenge is remembering the difference while writing.
Which Form Should You Use?
Ask yourself one simple question:
Can I replace the word with it is or it has?
- ✅ Yes → use it’s
- ✅ No → use its
Examples:
- The company changed its policy yesterday.
- It’s going to rain tomorrow.
- The cat licked its paw carefully.
- It’s been a long day at work.
Consistency is the key to mastering this.
Common Mistakes with Its or It’s
Here are the most frequent errors:
- ❌ Its raining today → Correct: It’s raining today
- ❌ The dog lost it’s toy → Correct: The dog lost its toy
- ❌ Its been amazing → Correct: It’s been amazing
Reason for mistakes: Many learners expect all possessives to have apostrophes. Remember: its = possessive, no apostrophe.
Its or It’s in a Sentence
- It’s time to start the meeting.
- The phone is missing its cover.
- It’s important to finish homework on time.
- The car lost its wheel.
- It’s been a pleasure helping you.
Short, practical examples make it easy to internalize the rule.
Its or It’s Synonyms
While there are no exact synonyms, understanding equivalent words can help:
- Its → similar to his, her, their (shows possession)
- It’s → equals it is or it has
Tip: Using these synonyms mentally can prevent mistakes while writing.
Its or It’s Quiz
- ___ raining outside.
- The cat licked ___ paw.
- ___ been a long week.
- The company updated ___ software.
Answers:
- It’s
- its
- It’s
- its
Practice like this reinforces proper usage.
Common Confusions Solved
Its You or It’s You
- Correct: It’s you → “It is you”
- Incorrect: Its you
Its vs It’s Quiz Confusions
- Its amazing → ❌
- It’s amazing → ✅
- The cat licked it’s paw → ❌
- The cat licked its paw → ✅
These highlight the most frequent mistakes for learners.
Its or It’s Exercises
- Write 5 sentences using it’s
- Write 5 sentences using its
- Replace it’s with it is/it has to check correctness
This simple exercise ensures you never confuse them in writing.
Its or It’s UK Usage
- Both forms are identical in UK English.
- British guides recommend the same rules:
- Use it’s for contractions
- Use its for possession
- No regional spelling changes needed.
Its or It’s Pronunciation
- It’s → /ɪts/
- Its → /ɪts/
They sound the same. So the only way to know which to use is context and grammar.
FAQs
Can “its” ever have an apostrophe?
No. Never. Apostrophes are only used for contractions (it’s), not for the possessive pronoun (its).
Is it correct to start a sentence with “it’s”?
Yes. It is fully acceptable in formal and informal English.
Can “it’s” mean “it has”?
Yes. Example:
- It’s been a busy week → It has been a busy week.
How can I easily remember the difference between its and it’s?
Use the simple replacement trick:
- Replace with it is/it has. If it makes sense → it’s, otherwise → its.
Are “its” and “it’s” used differently in professional writing?
No. Both are perfectly acceptable in professional, academic, or casual writing when used correctly.
Conclusion
The confusion between its or it’s is understandable but easy to fix.
- Its → possession (the cat licked its paw)
- It’s → contraction of it is or it has (It’s raining today)
Use the simple “replace with it is/it has” trick. Once you master this, you’ll write with clarity and confidence in emails, essays, and professional documents.
Remember: context is key, stay consistent, and your writing will always be correct and professional.
Virginia Woolf shares gentle reflections and spiritual writings at PrayersPure.com, inspiring mindfulness, faith, and inner peace through her words.
