It's and Its

It’s and Its

‘It’s’ and ‘its’ are two of the most commonly confused words in the English language. However, understanding the difference between these two words is crucial for successful communication.

It’s is a contraction for its is or it has.

For example:

·        I think it’s going to rain on Monday.

·        It’s been a long time since I last saw Bushan.

·        It’s a small world after all.

‘Its’ is a possessive pronoun. ‘Its’ modifies a noun and is used to show ownership. For example:

·        The bear carried its cub in its mouth.

·        Nothing can take its place.

·        The cat licked its tongue.

👉 To determine if you should use it’s or its in your sentence simply try replacing the word with it is or it has. For example:

·        ‘Nothing can take it is place’ makes no sense. Therefore, the correct word to use is its. (Nothing can take its place.)

·        ‘It is raining outside’ is perfectly acceptable sentence. Therefore, you may use it’s in place of ‘it is’. (It’s raining.)

Exercises

Fill in the blanks by sing either “its” or “it’s”.

    a)   Its parts were covered with sand.

    b)   Wake up! It’s time for school.

    c)    I am happy to meet you. It’s been a long time.

    d)   It’s important for you to finish this assignment.

    e)   The tiger protected its cubs.

    f)    It’s my turn to sing a song.

    g)   The baby shook its hand to reach for the toy.

    h)   It’s too late to have lunch.

    i)     My toy car is old and its wheel is broken.

    j)     The event has come to its conclusion.

Write one sentence using the given words in the brackets.

    1. (Breakfast + it’s):

        It’s the time for breakfast.

  

    2. (Lion + its)

        Lion grabbed the lamb with its claws.

    3. (Pond + its)

       The pond has its own ecosystem.

    4. (Book + it’s)

        It’s the book of History.

    5. (Dinner + It’s)

        It’s not there in the menu of dinner.

Fill in the blanks using the words using ‘its’ or ‘it’s’.

     a)   If it’s possible then we should go to the doctor tomorrow.

     b)   The football always has its annual meeting in December.

     c)    The bike is in good condition but its gears need to be repaired.

     d)   Please remind me when it’s time to pay the rent.

     e)   The crowd slowly made its way home.

     f)    It’s rained every day since Monday.

     g)   Ask Mary if it’s convenient to arrive by 6 pm for the party.

     h)   The factory pays its workers very poor wages.

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