The Distinction Between Its and It’s: Usage and Grammar Explained

What is the distinction between “its” and “it’s”?

The distinction between “its” and “it’s” lies in their usage and grammatical functions

The distinction between “its” and “it’s” lies in their usage and grammatical functions.

1. “Its”: “Its” is a possessive pronoun and is used to show ownership or belonging. It indicates that something belongs to or is associated with a thing or animal that is neither masculine nor feminine. For example:
– The dog wagged its tail. (Here, “its” shows that the tail belongs to the dog.)
– The laptop lost its battery. (The battery belongs to the laptop.)

2. “It’s”: “It’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has” and is used in place of the full form. It functions as a subject followed by a verb or an auxiliary verb. For example:
– It’s raining outside. (Here, “it’s” is a contraction of “it is.”)
– It’s been a long day. (In this case, “it’s” is a contraction of “it has.”)

Remember, “it’s” is always used to mean “it is” or “it has.” If you are unsure whether to use “it’s” or “its,” try expanding the contraction to see if “it is” or “it has” makes sense in the sentence.

It’s important to note that apostrophes are not used to indicate possession with pronouns like “hers,” “yours,” “ours,” or “theirs.” However, “its” is an exception to this rule.

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