It's vs Its: Usage Guide

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'its' or 'it's'?

  • The cat chased it's shadow across the lawn.
  • The company announced it's new marketing strategy.
  • It's a beautiful day for a picnic. (correct)
  • The dog wagged it's tail excitedly.

The sentence 'Its going to rain tomorrow' is grammatically correct.

False (B)

Explain the difference in usage between 'it's' and 'its' in one sentence.

'It's' is a contraction meaning 'it is' or 'it has,' while 'its' is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership.

The bird built _____ nest in the tallest tree.

<p>its</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of possessive determiner?

<p>The book lost its cover. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'The dog buried it is bone' is grammatically sound.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Provide a sentence that exemplifies the correct usage of the term 'it's'.

<p>It's important to understand the difference between homophones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The company is proud of _____ accomplishments over the past years.

<p>its</p> Signup and view all the answers

Select the sentence where 'it's' is used incorrectly.

<p>The cat is licking it's paws after a big meal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases with the correct replacement using either 'it's' or 'its'.

<p>Belonging to the team = its An expression of disbelief = it's Possession of a company = its An indication of time passing = it's</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes how a frog empties its stomach?

<p>The frog throws up its stomach, uses its forearms to dig out the contents, and then swallows the stomach back down. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A chameleon that is completely blind will not be able to change colors to match its environment.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the grammatical difference between "its" and "it's,", including what each form represents. Your answer should focus on usage rather than etymology.

<p>&quot;Its&quot; is the possessive form of &quot;it,&quot; while &quot;it's&quot; is a contraction of &quot;it is&quot; or &quot;it has.&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

To avoid confusion between the possessive and contraction forms, one could always write the full version of 'it's,' which is either 'it ______' or 'it ______.'

<p>is, has</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences uses "it's" correctly?

<p>It's been a long journey, but we're almost there. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to modern English grammar conventions, using "it's" as the possessive form of "it" is grammatically correct.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence, "The cat licked its paw," what is the function of the word 'its'?

<p>Possessive pronoun indicating ownership (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you're unsure whether to use 'its' or 'it's', a simple rule of thumb is to avoid using the form 'it's' altogether and instead write out the full version, 'it ______' or 'it ______'. If neither makes sense, the correct word is 'its'.

<p>is, has</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences demonstrates the correct usage of both 'its' and 'it's'?

<p>&quot;It's clear that the bird has built its nest carefully.&quot; (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why some people might mistakenly use "it's" as the possessive form of "it," even though it is grammatically incorrect today.

<p>The confusion arises because apostrophes are commonly used to indicate possession (e.g., 'dog's'). Some may incorrectly assume 'it' follows the same pattern, leading to the erroneous use of &quot;it's&quot; as possessive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Frog Vomiting

A frog ejects its stomach, cleans it with its forearms, then swallows it back down.

Blind Chameleon

Chameleons change color regardless of sight.

"Its" vs. "It's"

"Its" shows possession. "It's" means "it is" or "it has".

"Its" Definition

Used to indicate ownership or belonging to 'it'.

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"It's" Definition

A contraction of "it is" or "it has."

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Apostrophe Use

Apostrophes show possession (e.g., dog's bone).

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Possessive Form of "It"

Possessive form of 'it'. Many people think that "it's" should be the possessive form of "it."

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Avoiding "It's" Confusion

If unsure, avoid writing it's. Write "it is" or "it has", or use "its."

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Correct "its/it's" sentences

No one has ever seen its body, It's starting to snow.

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What does "It's" mean?

"It's" is a contraction meaning "it is" or "it has."

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What does "Its" mean?

"Its" is a possessive determiner, like "his" or "her."

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How to check if "it's" is correct?

If you can replace "it's" with "it is" or "it has" in a sentence and it still makes sense, then "it's" is correct.

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When to Use "Its"?

"Its" is used to show possession for something that "it" owns.

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Common Mistake: it's vs its

A common mistake is using "it's" when you should use "its" because you want to show possession.

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"Its" vs. "His" and "Her"

"Its" functions similarly to possessive pronouns like "his" and "her,"

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Rule for "It's"

If you can't replace "it's" with "it is" or "it has", it is wrong.

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What is a Contraction?

Contractions are shortened forms of words, like "it's" for "it is."

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Possessive Determiner

Possessive determiners indicate ownership. 'Its' is a possessive determiner.

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How to use 'its'?

Use "its" when indicating that something belongs to the subject.

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Study Notes

Difference Between "It's" and "Its"

  • "It's" and "its" are commonly confused due to the apostrophe's typical association with possession.
  • "It's" (with an apostrophe) does not indicate possession.

It's

  • A contraction meaning "it is" or "it has".
  • Example: "It's amazing" which can be expanded to "It is amazing."
  • Example: "It's got to be a joke" which can be expanded to "It has got to be a joke."
  • A 100% rule exists: If "it's" cannot be expanded to "it is" or "it has," it is incorrect.
  • Functions as a contraction, similar to "isn't," "don't," and "can't."

Its

  • The possessive form of "it."
  • Example: "I can see its eyes."
  • Functions as a possessive determiner.
  • Similar to "his" and "her," which are also possessive determiners.
  • "His" indicates a masculine possessor (owner).
  • "Her" indicates a feminine possessor.
  • "Its" indicates a neuter possessor.
  • Example: "These are its footprints."

Common Error

  • Many mistakenly believe the possessive form of "it" should be "it's," due to the general use of apostrophes to show possession.
  • Some historical evidence suggests "it's" was once used as the possessive form of "it."

Resolution

  • If unsure, avoid using "it's" altogether.
  • Write the full version ("it is" or "it has") instead.
  • If neither "it is" nor "it has" fits, use "its."

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