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  4. It's vs. Its
Commonly Confused Words

It's vs. Its

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It’s and its are two of the most commonly confused words in English. Even native speakers mix them up! The good news: the difference is simple when you know what each one means.

It's

It’s is a contraction. It means:

  • it is
  • it has

If you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has,” then it’s (with apostrophe) is correct.

  • It’s raining today. (= it is)
  • It’s been a long time. (= it has)
  • I think it’s ready. (= it is)

Its

Its (no apostrophe) is a possessive adjective. It shows that something belongs to “it.”

  • The cat licked its paws.
  • The company updated its website.
  • The tree lost its leaves early this year.

Even though most possessives use apostrophes (like John’s or the dog’s), its never takes one.

💡 Astuce

  • If you can replace it with it is or it has → use it’s.
  • If the word shows possession → use its (no apostrophe).
  • Think of his/her/its — none of them take apostrophes.

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___ going to be a long day.

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