Its vs It’s in English Grammar
Since its and it’s are two forms that are constantly used incorrectly, it is crucial for the users of English language to know the difference between its and it’s in English grammar. Its and It’s are used differently since their meanings too change in usage. It is about this difference that one needs to pay attention to if he/she wants to use correct English. However, before starting to analyze the difference between its and it’s, let us first look at these words individually. The Oxford English dictionary introduces its as a determiner. It’s is, on the other hand, introduced as a contraction of it is or it has. Now, let us have a look at these two words, its and it’s, as well as the difference between its and it’s.
What does Its mean?
Its is used as the possessive or in the genitive case form of the personal pronoun it. In fact, it is the personal pronoun in the third person. Look at the sentences.
The lion entered into its den.
The tree emanates fragrance through its flowers.
In both the sentences mentioned above the word its is used as the possessive case form of the personal pronoun it.
Note: It is very common to see it’s used as the possessive case for the personal pronoun it. However, that confusion arrives due to the fact that all other nouns take apostrophe+ s form for the possessive case. So, naturally, people tend to think the possessive case of it should be it’s. However, that is wrong. One should remember its is the possessive case of it and that it is an exception to the rule of creating possessive case.
What does It’s mean?
The word it’s, on the other hand, is the short form of the two words it is or it has. In other words, it can be said that the two words it and is as well as it and has can be shortened as it’s as in the sentences given below. That form is known as a contraction.
It’s easy to reach the place. (it is)
The teacher says it’s not difficult to by heart the poem. (it is)
It’s been three days since she left. (it has)
In both the sentences mentioned above the word it’s is used as the shortened form of the two words it and is and it and has
The personal pronoun it is used in affirmative sentences too as in “It is raining.” Here the word it is used in the affirmative sentence. It is interesting to note that the same sentence can also be written as “It’s raining”. Here the two words it and is are shortened as it’s.
It is important to note that the personal pronoun it is used both as a subject and as an object. Look at the sentences given below:
It smells good.
You can see it here.
In the first sentence the word it is used as a subject whereas in the second sentence the personal pronoun it is used as an object. In other words, it can be said that the word it is used in the accusative case in the second sentence. The usage of it’s is widely seen in the English language.
What is the difference between Its and It’s in English Grammar?
• Its is used as the possessive or in the genitive case form of the personal pronoun it.
• The word it’s, on the other hand, is the short form of the two words it is or it has.