This has been a common grammar point that causes all kinds of problems for people who want to learn English. I was just asked this question last week on our ETO Facebook Page, so here is the answer 🙂
Use apostrophe: ‘It’s’ is a contraction meaning ‘it is’ or ‘it has’.
No Apostrophe: ‘Its’ is a possessive showing ownership or belonging.
These grammar rules are very easy and true 100% of the time. Let’s see some examples below.
Examples of contractions:
It’s a great hat.
It’s our opportunity to vote.
It’s been such a nice day.
Examples of possessives:
The website just posted its 25th blog
The company just bought its 5th building.
The zoo lost one of its animals.
Let’s look at more examples:
1. It’s been snowing hard for a month, but now it’s beginning to slow down. – Correct
2. Its one of the best hamburgers in the country. – Wrong (should be ‘it is’ or ‘it’s’.)
3. I think the country wants to get its economy stronger. – Correct
Below is an English quiz to help you practice and understand today’s English grammar better:
1. The company had spent all _______ money.
a) its
b) it’s
2. ________ been a great day!
a) its
b) it’s
3. Give me a call when _______ done.
a) its
b) it’s
4. The last car lost all ________ power.
a) its
b) it’s
5. The population voted for ________ new president.
a) its
b) it’s
My last comments:
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By: Luke
ETO American English teacher
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