Few English grammar topics confuse learners as much as “its or it’s.” Even native speakers make mistakes with these two forms because they look almost identical but work very differently in sentences.
People often search for “its or it’s” when writing emails, social media posts, academic work, or professional documents and suddenly feel unsure which one is correct. One tiny apostrophe can completely change the meaning of a sentence.
The confusion happens because, in most cases, apostrophes show possession. For example, John’s book means the book belongs to John.
Naturally, learners assume “it’s” must also be possessive. But English breaks its own rule here. In reality, “its” is possessive, while “it’s” is a contraction. This exception creates stress, hesitation, and frequent grammar errors.
This article solves that problem once and for all. You will get a quick answer, a deep explanation, word origins, British vs American usage, common mistakes, everyday
examples, Google Trends insights, FAQs, and professional advice. By the end, you will clearly understand when to use its and when to use it’s with confidence and clarity.
Its or It’s :Quick Answer
Its shows possession.
It’s is a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
Examples:
- The dog wagged its tail. ✅ (possession)
- It’s raining outside. ✅ (it is)
❌ The dog wagged it’s tail. (Incorrect)
The Origin of Its or It’s
The confusion between its and it’s comes from the history of apostrophes in English.
Origin of “Its”
The possessive form its appeared in the 17th century. Earlier English sometimes used his for objects (for example, the sun his light).
Over time, English evolved, and its became the standard possessive pronoun for it. Importantly, possessive pronouns like his, her, their, and its never use apostrophes.
Origin of “It’s”
It’s developed as a contraction, combining it is or it has. Apostrophes in English are commonly used to show missing letters in contractions,
such as don’t (do not) or you’re (you are). The apostrophe in it’s replaces the missing letter i in is or the missing ha in has.
The spelling difference exists because English uses apostrophes for contractions but avoids them in possessive pronouns an unusual but fixed rule.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British English and American English when it comes to its and it’s. Both varieties follow the same rules.
The only difference may be frequency and style, not correctness.
Examples
- British English: The company changed its policy.
- American English: It’s important to arrive early.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | British English | American English |
| Possessive form | its | its |
| Contraction | it’s | it’s |
| Grammar rule | Same | Same |
| Common mistakes | Same | Same |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The choice between its and it’s depends on sentence meaning, not audience location.
Audience-Based Advice
- US audience: Follow standard grammar rules.
- UK/Commonwealth audience: Use the same rules.
- Global audience: Choose clarity and correctness.
Simple Test
Replace the word with “it is” or “it has.”
- If the sentence still makes sense → use it’s
- If it does not → use its
Example:
- ___ color is bright.
- It is color ❌ → its color ✅
Common Mistakes with Its or It’s
Mistake 1: Using “It’s” for possession
❌ The cat licked it’s paw. ✅ The cat licked its paw.
Mistake 2: Using “Its” instead of “It is”
❌ Its raining heavily. ✅ It’s raining heavily.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the contraction rule
❌ Its been a long day. ✅ It’s been a long day.
Mistake 4: Overcorrecting apostrophes
❌ The company updated it’s website. ✅ The company updated its website.
Its or It’s in Everyday Examples
Emails
- It’s great to hear from you.
- Please review its attached document.
News Writing
- The government changed its approach.
- It’s expected to rain tomorrow.
Social Media
- It’s finally Friday! 🎉
- The phone lost its charger again.
Formal Writing
- The organization revised its strategy.
- It’s essential to follow the guidelines.
Its or It’s:Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “its or it’s” is one of the most searched grammar questions worldwide. It is especially popular in:
- South Asia
- ESL-learning countries
- English-speaking nations during exam seasons
Usage Insights
- Its appears more often in formal writing, academic texts, and news articles.
- It’s appears more in spoken English, emails, and social media due to contractions.
The high search volume proves that users want quick confirmation and clear rules, not long grammar theory.
Comparison Table: Its vs It’s
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
| its | Possessive pronoun | belonging to it | The tree lost its leaves |
| it’s | Contraction | it is / it has | It’s getting late |
FAQs
Is “its” correct English?
Yes. Its is the correct possessive form of it.
Is “it’s” always wrong?
No. It’s is correct when it means it is or it has.
Can “it’s” show possession?
No. Apostrophes in contractions never show possession here.
Why doesn’t “its” have an apostrophe?
Because possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes.
Can I use “it’s” in formal writing?
Yes, but many formal styles prefer it is instead.
Which one is more common?
Both are common, but used in different contexts.
Is this mistake serious?
Yes. In professional writing, it looks careless.
Conclusion
The difference between its and it’s may look small, but it plays a big role in clear and correct English. One apostrophe can change meaning, tone, and professionalism.
Its shows ownership or belonging, while it’s simply shortens it is or it has. Mixing them up is one of the most common grammar mistakes worldwide.
The good news is that the solution is simple. Use the replacement test: if you can say it is or it has, choose it’s. If not, choose its. This single trick works in emails, exams, articles, social media posts, and professional documents.
There is no difference between British and American English rules here, which makes learning easier for global users.
Once you understand the logic behind contractions and possessive pronouns, the confusion disappears completely. With practice, using its or it’s correctly becomes automatic.
Mastering this rule improves your writing accuracy and shows attention to detail an important skill in modern communication.
I am a Nathan Colewood.I am a English content writer and language researcher. I focuses on grammar rules, confusing word pairs, and modern English usag.I goal is to help readers improve their English through short, clear explanations and real-life examples. I mainly creates practical guides for beginners and non-native English learners. Nathan’s writing style is simple, informative, and easy to understand.
