1-English On The Go: It's or its?

 

Many language learners can find it challenging to understand the difference between 'it's' and 'its' because of the apostrophe involved.

'It's' is a shortened version of it is or it has. This is known as a contraction.

It's very painful being struck by lightning. [where 'it's' = 'it is']

It's been difficult learning magic tricks. [where 'it's = 'it has']

Using 'its' might cause confusion because the apostrophe can be used to indicate possession in the English language.

For example, 'my father's pet' means the pet belongs to my father.

However, in the case of 'it', the possessive form 'its' does not have an apostrophe.

'Its' indicates possession when not talking about a man or woman.

"This frog wants its old body back."

"The airport had to cancel all its flights due to the bad weather."

"The plant has lost all of its flowers."

Note that you never put an apostrophe after 'its'. That is always wrong.