Its vs. It’s: How to Use ‘Its’ and ‘It’s’ Correctly

The words “it's” and “its” are homonyms differentiated only by a simple apostrophe, but they have different uses in English grammar.

• “It's” is a conjunction: The word “it's” combines the phrase "it is" into a single word through the use of an apostrophe. “It's” is simply the phrase "it is" in abbreviated form.
• “Its” is a possessive pronoun: The word “its” is the possessive form of the pronoun “it.” As a possessive determiner, it means "belonging to it." Use the possessive “its” when describing something “belonging to it.” The word “it” is a third-person pronoun describing an inanimate object, an entity, or a conceptual idea.

The following sentences showcase the correct usage of “it's.”

1. 1. "It's a good day for a bike ride."
2. 2. "Call me when it's time for dinner."
3. 3. "The game looks hopeless, but it's not over yet."

The following sentences demonstrate the correct usage of “its” in both British English and American English.

1. 1. "The dog chased its tail."
2. 2. "The school replaced its grammar books with updated editions."
3. 3. "Its members voted for a new administration."

There is no such word as “its'.” If you want to describe something belonging to more than one inanimate object, use the word “their.” For example, "We need to cover the lounge chairs to prevent their cushions from fading."

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