Correct Grammar: Is it Its or It's?
Unfortunately, I have just learned that I was one of the people using this word incorrectly. I have been telling people for years that you never use it's. I could swear that this was what my college English professor told me. I guess not. Along with the overuse and misuse of the word literally, and the abomination of the word irregardless, which I am still planning on investigating, its and it's are at the top of the chart when it comes to bad grammar. Let's see what each word actually means.
Correct Grammar of its and it's: The Definition of Its
Its is the possessive form of it.
Examples of the correct usage of its:
The cat carried its kittens.
The dog lost its ball while the cat carried its kittens.
The goose attacked its victim while the dog lost its ball while the cat carried its kittens.
Correct Grammar of its and it's: The Definition of It's
It's is a contraction of it is or it has.
Examples of the correct usage of it's:
It's stopped raining.
It's time to go since it's stopped raining.
It's too bad it's time to go since it's stopped raining.
Correct Grammar of its and it's: The Cause of the Confusion
We normally use an apostrophe to signify possession. For example, Jennifer's hat or the cat's kittens. When you are using its to replace the person or object who is in possession, then you do not use the apostrophe, hence you have its kittens.
I think that what my college English teacher explained, and I failed to understand, is that you never use an apostrophe unless you are making a contraction, such as it is or it has, which both equal it's.
So, one final example:
It's sad that the cat lost its kittens and it's raining outside. I hope it's not going to last long before it's finished.
Correct Grammar of its and it's: One final note
It is important for you to recognized the difference between its and it's. We all rely heavily on our computer's spell check program, but the truth is that the spell checker is not very good at its job. It's up to you!
Published by Eleanthe Anderson
Librarian with emphasis in medical and legal research. B.A. in Art History and M.L.S. Hobbies are quilting, making jewelry, aromatherapy, crafting, gardening, writing, and a serious world of warcraft addiction. View profile
How to Use the Apostrophe CorrectlyIf you are unsure about using words like its / it's, they're / their / there, you / you're, and so on, these hints will help you out.- Grammar 101: The ApostropheThis covers the basics of apostrophe use. It explains using them for showing possession and to indicated omitted letters in a word.
- How to Choose the Correct Verb or Verb TenseIf verb usage is an issue for you, these quick tips may help you to overcome your grammar hurdle.
- 4 Web Sites to Help Writers Improve Grammar and Writing Skills for FreeInteractive sites to review and practice grammar rules and writing skills including revising, genres, documentation, and professional writing (job search).
- Cell Phones and Grammar?Instead of blaming technology for poor grammar, perhaps we should ask why it isn't taught in the first place.
- Correct Grammar: Is it Literally or Figuratively?
- Creative Writing - Good Grammar
- How Can You Practice the Basics of English?: Grammar and Public Speaking Skills
- How to Avoid Making Common Errors in Word Usage
- A Visit from the Grammar Police
- Is the Internet Destroying Our Ability to Use Correct Grammar?
- How to Use an Apostrophe Correctly
- It's means it is or it has.
- Its is the possessive form of it.
11 Comments
Post a CommentI've always been good on this one. It's too bad "its" is its own worst enemy. Its own enemy is what it is for "it's," too, isn't it?
Love this! I am somewhat of a grammar freak!
Good one. I never realized "it's" was also the contraction for "it has." I do think a lot of the time, when you see "its" and "it's" incorrectly used, it's a typo. Some people just type too fast.
Nice one. I will probably be back to read this one again and again.
Pardon my French, but if your interest is great, you should say you are "very much interested" rather than "very interested." Fodder for another column?
Meanwhile, keep up the good work. It's important because, as my high school English teacher used to say, "Muddy writing reflects muddy thinking."
Good one!
Good lesson...I always mess up the possessive 'its". Thanks!
Good grammer is very important.
Good job. I think I'm pretty good with its and it's, but not always!lol
As jcorn says a very common mistake and I make it all the time. Thank god for grammar programs.