Many people search for “its or it’s” because these two forms look almost the same but have very different meanings. Even native English speakers make mistakes with them in emails, social media posts, school exams, and professional writing.
The confusion mainly comes from the apostrophe. In most cases, an apostrophe shows possession, but here it changes the meaning completely. Writers often pause and think: Should I write its color or it’s color? This small doubt can slow down writing and reduce confidence.
This article solves that problem clearly and simply. You will get a quick answer, detailed explanation, examples, common mistakes, and professional advice so you can always choose the correct form of its or it’s.
Its or It’s : Quick Answer
Its shows possession. It means belonging to it.
It’s is a contraction. It means it is or it has.
Examples:
- The dog wagged its tail. ✅
- It’s raining outside. ✅
❌ The dog wagged it’s tail. (Incorrect)
The Origin of Its or It’s
The confusion between its and it’s comes from how English developed apostrophes. In early English, apostrophes were used to show missing letters, not possession. Over time, apostrophes became common in contractions like it’s (it is).
The possessive form its appeared later. Most possessive nouns use an apostrophe (cat’s, dog’s), but possessive pronouns are different.
Words like his, hers, yours, and its never use an apostrophe. This rule stayed consistent, but many writers still expect its to follow the noun rule. That expectation creates confusion.
So the spelling difference exists because:
- It’s keeps the apostrophe to show missing letters
- Its follows the pronoun rule and shows possession without an apostrophe
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British English and American English for its and it’s. Both varieties follow the same grammar rules.
Examples
- British English: The company changed its policy.
- American English: It’s important to be careful.
Comparison Table
| Feature | 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?
Choosing between its and it’s depends on meaning, not audience.
- US audience: Follow the standard rule
- UK/Commonwealth audience: Follow the same rule
- Global audience: Keep sentences clear and simple
Ask one question:
- Can you replace it with it is or it has?
- Yes → use it’s
- No → use its
This single test works every time.
Common Mistakes with Its or It’s
Mistake 1: Using “it’s” for possession
❌ The phone lost it’s charge. ✅ The phone lost its charge.
Mistake 2: Using “its” instead of a contraction
❌ Its a great idea. ✅ It’s a great idea.
Mistake 3: Overthinking the apostrophe
❌ The bird hurt it’s wing. ✅ The bird hurt its wing.
Its or It’s in Everyday Examples
Emails
- It’s good to hear from you.
- The company updated its website.
News
- The city announced its new plan.
- It’s expected to rain tonight.
Social Media
- It’s my birthday today 🎉
- The cat found its favorite spot 🐱
Formal Writing
- The organization achieved its goals.
- 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:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- India
- Pakistan
- ESL-learning countries
People usually search this keyword while writing emails, preparing exams, creating content, or proofreading professional documents. It’s appears more often in casual writing, while its is very common in formal and academic content. The high search volume proves that users want a quick answer plus clear explanation.
Comparison Table: Its vs It’s
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
| its | Possessive pronoun | belonging to it | The car lost its door |
| 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, never. Possession always uses its.
Why doesn’t “its” have an apostrophe?
Because possessive pronouns never use apostrophes.
Is this rule the same in British English?
Yes, the rule is identical.
How can I remember the difference easily?
Replace the word with it is. If it works, use it’s.
Is “its” used for people?
No, it is usually used for objects, animals, or ideas.
Conclusion
The difference between its or it’s may look small, but it is very important for clear and correct English. Many writing mistakes happen because people rely on how the words look
instead of what they mean. Once you understand that its shows possession and it’s is a contraction, the confusion disappears.
There is no British or American difference to worry about, which makes the rule even easier to follow. The best method is the replacement test.
If you can say it is or it has, then it’s is correct. If you are showing ownership or connection, its is always the right choice.
Using the correct form improves your writing quality, professionalism, and confidence. Whether you are writing an email, a social media post, a news article, or an academic paper,
this rule will help you avoid one of the most common grammar errors in English. With practice, choosing between its and it’s will become automatic.
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I am Oliver H. Grant. I am a English language writer and editor my focuses on grammar, word usage, and common English mistakes.
I specializes in explaining the differences between British and American English in a clear and practical way.
my writing style is simple, learner-friendly, and designed to help readers understand English with ease.
My work is also SEO-focused, making it especially useful for online learners and readers.
