Commonly Confused
Its vs It's
What's the difference?
This is one of the most common mix-ups in English — and it trips up native speakers too. The apostrophe is the whole story.
Quick answer
It's = it is (or it has). Its = belonging to it. If you can say "it is," use it's; otherwise its.
Compared side by side
(possessive) belonging to it.
- “The dog wagged its tail.”
- “The company changed its logo.”
- “The city is proud of its history.”
(contraction) short for "it is" or "it has."
- “It's raining outside.”
- “It's been a long day.”
- “I think it's ready now.”
How to remember it
The apostrophe in it's stands for a missing letter (it is). Possessive its has no apostrophe — exactly like his and hers.
Frequently asked
Why does the possessive have no apostrophe?
Because its works like his, hers, and theirs — possessive pronouns never take an apostrophe. The apostrophe is reserved for the contraction it's (it is / it has).
What's the quick test?
Try "it is." "It's cold" → "It is cold" ✓. "The team lost its lead" → "it is lead" ✗, so it's the possessive its.
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