"Its" is a commonly used word in English language. It is a possessive pronoun which means that it shows ownership of something or someone. However, the usage of "its" can be tricky as it is often confused with "it's". In this article, we will discuss the usage of "its" and clear any misconceptions related to it.
"Its" is used to show possession or ownership of something that does not have a gender. For example, "The dog wagged its tail" and "The tree lost its leaves in winter". In both cases, the word "its" is used to show that the tail and leaves belong to the dog and the tree respectively.
However, it is important to note that "its" is not used when referring to a person or an object that has a gender. In such cases, "his" or "her" should be used instead. For example, "The boy lost his wallet" and "The girl combed her hair".
"It's" is often confused with "its" but they have different meanings. "It's" is used as a contraction of "it is" or "it has". For example, "It's raining outside" and "It's been a long day".
To differentiate between the two, it is important to remember that if the sentence can be written as "it is" or "it has" then "it's" should be used. Otherwise, "its" should be used for possession. For example, "The dog wagged its tail" can not be written as "The dog wagged it is tail" and thus "its" is used.
One of the most common mistakes related to "its" is the confusion with "it's". Many people use "it's" instead of "its" even when it is not suitable. This mistake can be easily avoided by checking the meaning of the sentence and using the correct word accordingly.
Another common mistake is the usage of "his" or "her" instead of "its". This mistake is often made when referring to objects or animals that are considered to have a gender. However, it is important to remember that "its" should be used for possession regardless of gender.
In conclusion, "its" is a commonly used possessive pronoun that is often confused with "it's". However, by understanding its usage and differentiating it from "it's", one can avoid common mistakes related to it. It is important to remember that "its" is used for possession of objects or animals that do not have a gender and should not be confused with "his" or "her".
