When writing, you have to make a lot of choices. One you want to get right is choosing its or it’s. So, how do you know which to use?
Its or It’s Explained
While many people get this wrong, you can get it right. Here’s how to choose between these two three-letter words.
- Go with its. According to m-w.com, the definition of its is “of or relating to it or itself especially as possessor, agent, or object of an action.” Still a bit confused? Use its when something possesses something else. As an example, if a slug has a three-story slug house, you could write, “The slug went to its three-story slug house.” Of course, if you know the sex of the snail, it would be polite to label it appropriately.
- Nope, it is it’s. It’s, on the other hand, isn’t just a word. It’s two words—it and is—brought together in a beautiful contraction. This contraction gives you a fast way to say it is.
Making the Choice
Still not sure whether to go with its or it’s? Here’s the only rule you’ll ever need:
If you can substitute the word for it is, you want it’s. Otherwise, use its.
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