Frequently Confused Words: its & it's

Front

What does 'it's' mean?

Back

'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'. For example, 'It's raining outside.'

Front

What does 'its' mean?

Back

'Its' is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership. For example, 'The dog wagged its tail.'

Front

When should you use 'it's'?

Back

Use 'it's' when you can replace it with 'it is' or 'it has'. For example, 'It's time to go' can be changed to 'It is time to go.'

Front

When should you use 'its'?

Back

Use 'its' to show that something belongs to or is a part of something else. For example, 'The cat licked its paw.'

Front

Fill in the blank: ____ a beautiful day outside.

Back

It's a beautiful day outside.

Front

Fill in the blank: The tree lost ____ leaves in the storm.

Back

The tree lost its leaves in the storm.

Front

Choose the correct word: I think ____ going to rain today.

Back

I think it's going to rain today.

Front

Choose the correct word: The dog chased ____ tail around in circles.

Back

The dog chased its tail around in circles.

Front

What is a common mistake when using 'it's' and 'its'?

Back

A common mistake is using 'it's' when you mean to show possession, instead of using 'its'.

Front

Fill in the blank: I can't believe ____ already time to go home!

Back

I can't believe it's already time to go home!