Its or It’s | The Simple Grammar Rule Most People Get Wrong (With Clear Examples)

Its or it’s is one of the most confusing grammar questions in English, even for fluent writers.

You see it in emails, blogs, captions, and even professional documents.
The mistake is common, but the rule is actually very simple.
Once you understand it, you’ll never mix its and it’s again.

This guide gives you a quick answer, real examples, and practical advice you can use right away.

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Its or It’s (Quick Answer)

It’s = it is or it has
Its = possessive form (shows ownership)

Simple examples:

• It’s raining outside. → It is raining outside
  
• It’s been a long day. → It has been a long day
  
• The dog wagged its tail. → Ownership
  
• The company changed its policy. → Ownership
  

👉 If you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has,” use it’s. Otherwise, use its.

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The Origin of Its or It’s

The confusion between its and it’s comes from how English handles possession and contractions.

• It’s was created as a contraction of it is and later it has.
  
• Its is the possessive form of it, similar to his or her.
  

Why this feels confusing

In English:

• Apostrophes often show possession (John’s book).
  
• But pronouns do not use apostrophes for possession:
  
  • his
    
  • hers
    
  • theirs
    
  • its
    

That’s why its has no apostrophe, even though it shows ownership.

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British English vs American English Spelling

There is no spelling difference between British and American English for its and it’s.

Both follow the same grammar rules.

Comparison Table

Form	Meaning	British English	American English	Example
it’s	it is / it has	Same	Same	It’s working fine.
its	possessive (ownership)	Same	Same	The phone lost its signal.

✔ Same rules
✔ Same usage
✔ Same mistakes 😄

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Use the spelling based on meaning, not audience.

Quick guide:

• Writing for US, UK, or global readers → Rules stay the same.
  
• Writing professionally → Double-check before publishing.
  
• Casual writing → Still worth getting right.
  

One-second test:

Read the sentence aloud and say “it is”.

• If it works → it’s
  
• If it sounds wrong → its
  

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Common Mistakes with Its or It’s

Here are the errors people make most often:

❌ Wrong:

• The company updated it’s website.
  
• Every cat loves it’s food.
  

✅ Correct:

• The company updated its website.
  
• Every cat loves its food.
  

Another common error:

• ❌ Its going to rain today.
  
• ✅ It’s going to rain today.
  

👉 Apostrophe = contraction, not possession.

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Its or It’s in Everyday Examples

Emails

• It’s great to hear from you.
  
• Please review its attached file.
  

News Writing

• The government announced its new policy.
  
• It’s expected to take effect next year.
  

Social Media

• It’s finally weekend 🎉
  
• My laptop lost its charger 😩
  

Formal Writing

• The organization fulfilled its responsibilities.
  
• It’s essential to follow the guidelines.
  

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Its or It’s | Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows “its or it’s” is one of the most searched grammar questions worldwide.

Why people search it:

• Spell check doesn’t always catch the error.
  
• Both forms sound the same.
  
• Apostrophes confuse writers.
  

Popular by:

• Students
  
• Bloggers
  
• Non-native English speakers
  
• Professionals writing emails
  

The confusion appears equally in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

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Comparison Table: Its vs It’s

Feature	Its	It’s
Part of speech	Possessive pronoun	Contraction
Shows ownership	Yes	No
Has apostrophe	No	Yes
Means “it is”	No	Yes
Means “it has”	No	Yes
Common mistake	Overusing apostrophe	Using for possession

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FAQs About Its or It’s

1. What is the difference between its and it’s?

It’s means it is or it has.
Its shows ownership.

2. Is “its” ever correct without an apostrophe?

Yes. Its is always written without an apostrophe.

3. Can it’s show possession?

No. It’s never shows possession.

4. Why doesn’t its have an apostrophe?

Because possessive pronouns don’t use apostrophes.

5. Is it’s used in formal writing?

Yes, but only when it means it is or it has.

6. Does British English use different rules?

No. British and American English use the same rules.

7. How can I remember the rule easily?

Replace the word with “it is”.
If it fits, use it’s.

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Conclusion

The difference between its or it’s looks small, but it makes a big impact on clarity and professionalism.
Remember this simple rule: it’s is a contraction, and its shows ownership.
Never choose based on habit. Choose based on meaning.

If you pause for one second and test “it is,” you’ll always get it right.
Mastering this rule improves emails, articles, captions, and formal writing instantly.
Good grammar builds trust, and this tiny fix makes your writing look confident and polished.