When to Use “It’s” or “Its”? (Explanation, with Examples)

How to use “it’s” and “its”

👍🏼Usage Note

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It’s a wise dog that scratches its own fleas.

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April with its sweet flowers.

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Its here!

It’s a wise dog that scratches its own fleas. And, it’s a discerning individual who can tell apart “it’s” as a contraction from “its” as a possessive.

The meaning of ‘its’ and ‘it’s’

‘It’s‘ with the apostrophe s is a contraction of it + is or it + has.
‘Its‘ with no apostrophe is a possessive determiner (also called a possessive adjective) that shows ownership or some kind of relation.

examples with ‘it’s’	example with ‘its’
It looks like it’s going to rain.	April with its sweet flowers.

It’s (it + is or it + has)

The apostrophe in ‘it’s’ signals a contraction (not a possessive, though apostrophe s can be used to create a possessive, ironically).

Contractions are words shortened by an apostrophe and the removal of certain letters or vowels.

isn’t = is + not
doesn’t = does + not
would’ve = would + have
could’ve = could + have

‘It’s‘ combines the third-person pronoun it with is or has.

It’s (it + is)	It’s (it + has)
Finally—it’s here!	It’s been so long since we last saw each other!

Its (possessive adjective)

Its (no apostrophe) is a possessive adjective or determiner. We use possessives to show something associated with or belonging to what was previously referenced.

The government encourages its citizens to vote during elections.
This is my cookie pile, and that one is yours.
Whose gift do you like better, mine or hers?
Hers, his, its, and theirs are third-person possessive pronouns, and can be either singular or plural, and used as sentence subjects or objects.
Herself, himself, itself, themself, and themselves are third-person reflexive and intensive pronouns.

💡Study Tip

“it’s” as a contraction of “it is” or “it has”—the apostrophe shows missing letters. “Its” is possessive, like “his” or “hers,” and has no apostrophe.

A pro tip! ‘Its’ vs ‘it’s’

If you can replace it (literally) in the sentence with ‘it is’ or ‘it has’, use an apostrophe. Otherwise, do not use an apostrophe.

How many times can you use ‘its’ and ‘it’s’ in the same sentence and still have it make sense? You tell me!

The contraction ‘it’s’, in sentences

Sentences using ‘it’s’ (contraction)

Don’t worry; it’s easy to get these things confused.
In our house, it’s okay to sit by the fire and read a book all night.
She said it’s only a fifteen-minute drive.

‘Its’ (possessive adjective) in sentence examples

Examples using ‘its’ (possessive)

The cat is too big for its carrier.
This cheese is past its expiration date.
The company is proud of its achievements.

Worksheet: It’s or its

FAQs

What does “it’s” mean?
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According to the post, “it’s” with an apostrophe is a contraction. It stands for “it is” or “it has”. The apostrophe signals missing letters, not possession, as shown in examples like “Finally—it’s here!”.

What does “its” mean?
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The post states that “its” without an apostrophe is a third-person possessive adjective. It shows something belonging to or associated with what was mentioned earlier, similar to “his” or “hers”.

How do I know when to use “it’s”?
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The post offers a tip: use “it’s” if you can replace it in the sentence with “it is” or “it has”. If the sentence still makes sense, “it’s” is correct, such as “It looks like it’s going to rain.”

How do I know when to use “its”?
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Use “its” (no apostrophe) as the possessive form when you mean belonging to “it.” The post’s rule is: If you *cannot* replace it with “it is” or “it has,” use “its,” like in “a wise dog that scratches its own fleas”.

Is “it’s” ever possessive?
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No, the post clarifies that the apostrophe in “it’s” signals a contraction (“it is” or “it has”), not a possessive form. “Its” without the apostrophe is the possessive adjective, like “his” or “hers”.

Sources

The Elements of Style, Strunk & White. Dictionary.com on third-person possessive determiners.