English Reference

its vs it's

Its shows ownership, while it's is a shortened form of it is or it has.

its

the possessive form of it

The cat licked its paws after finishing the bowl of milk.

it's

contraction of it is or it has

It's going to be a very long day at the office.

Watch out

  • The bird built it's nest in the old oak tree.

    The bird built its nest in the old oak tree.

  • I think its time for us to leave the party.

    I think it's time for us to leave the party.

Remember If you can't swap it for 'it is', use 'its'.

Quick check

Fill the gap with one of the two options.

  1. 1.

    The company decided to change logo to attract younger customers.

  2. 2.

    I think been raining since early this morning.

More like this in Grammar and structure.