It Is Apostrophe Rules

The apostrophe can be one of the most misunderstood punctuation marks in the English language, especially when it comes to the word ‘it’s.’ Although small, the apostrophe plays a crucial role in changing meaning, showing possession, or forming contractions. Many learners of English and even native speakers sometimes find themselves confused by apostrophe rules, particularly when dealing with ‘its’ and ‘it’s.’ Understanding the correct use of apostrophes is essential for clear, accurate writing and communication.

Understanding Apostrophe Basics

Before diving into the specific rules of it’s, it’s important to understand the general uses of apostrophes in English grammar. Apostrophes are primarily used in two ways:

• To show possession– e.g., ‘Sarah’s book,’ which means the book belongs to Sarah.
• To form contractions– e.g., ‘don’t’ for ‘do not’ or ‘you’re’ for ‘you are.’

Knowing these two functions helps clarify the confusion that often surrounds its and it’s. Many assume that because apostrophes show possession, it’s should mean something belongs to it. But that’s not the case.

‘It’s’ vs. ‘Its’: Key Apostrophe Rule

The Rule for ‘It’s’

The word it’s is a contraction. It combines the words ‘it’ and ‘is’ or sometimes ‘it’ and ‘has.’ That’s it nothing more, nothing less. The apostrophe here replaces the missing letter(s) from the second word.

• It’s cold outside.→ ‘It is cold outside.’
• It’s been a long day.→ ‘It has been a long day.’

In both examples, the apostrophe in it’s marks where a letter is omitted. This is the same pattern used in other common contractions like he’s (he is), she’s (she is), and that’s (that is).

The Rule for ‘Its’

This is where it gets tricky. ‘Its’ is the possessive form of ‘it.’ That means it shows that something belongs to ‘it.’ Despite not having an apostrophe, ‘its’ is used in a possessive sense, which might seem counterintuitive at first. This is a special exception in English grammar.

• The cat licked its paw.→ The paw belongs to the cat.
• The company revised its policy.→ The policy belongs to the company.

The reason ‘its’ doesn’t follow the usual apostrophe rule for possession is to avoid confusion with the contraction ‘it’s.’ English has made an exception for this word alone.

Common Mistakes with ‘It’s’ and ‘Its’

Even seasoned writers make mistakes with ‘it’s’ and ‘its.’ To avoid confusion, here are some helpful tips and common errors to watch out for:

Using ‘it’s’ to Show Possession

This is a classic error. People often think ‘it’s’ should be used to indicate possession. But remember: ‘it’s’ always means ‘it is’ or ‘it has.’ It never shows possession.

• Incorrect: The dog wagged it’s tail. ✘
• Correct: The dog wagged its tail. âœ

Using ‘its’ as a Contraction

Another mistake is writing ‘its’ when you really mean ‘it is’ or ‘it has.’

• Incorrect: Its raining again. ✘
• Correct: It’s raining again. âœ

Quick Test: Replace with It is or It has

If you’re ever in doubt, try replacing the word in your sentence with it is or it has. If the sentence still makes sense, then it’s is correct. If not, use its.

Example:

• It’s a beautiful day. → It is a beautiful day. ✠Makes sense. So ‘it’s’ is correct.
• The robot lost its arm. → The robot lost it is arm. ✘ Doesn’t make sense. So ‘its’ is correct.

Exceptions and Additional Notes

Possessive Pronouns Never Take Apostrophes

Another way to remember this is by looking at other possessive pronouns like:

• His
• Hers
• Theirs
• Ours
• Yours

None of these words use apostrophes. ‘Its’ follows this same rule, even though it might feel different at first. That’s why ‘its’ does not have an apostrophe when used as a possessive pronoun.

Using Apostrophes in Plurals

Sometimes, people mistakenly use apostrophes to form plurals, which is incorrect. Apostrophes should never be used just to make a word plural.

• Incorrect: The dog’s are barking. ✘
• Correct: The dogs are barking. âœ

Using apostrophes for plural forms is never correct, whether you’re writing about dogs, cats, or even the word ‘its.’

Why the Confusion Exists

Part of the confusion around its and it’s stems from the general rule that apostrophes indicate possession. But English breaks its own rule in this one case, leading to errors. Language learners and native speakers alike often assume that ‘it’s’ follows the same pattern as ‘John’s book’ or ‘the teacher’s desk.’ However, ‘its’ is an exception, and that makes it essential to memorize the distinction.

Helpful Tips to Remember the Rules

• It’s is a contraction for it is or it has. If you can replace it with either of those phrases, use the apostrophe.
• Its shows possession, similar to his or hers, and does not use an apostrophe.
• When unsure, rewrite the sentence using it is or it has and check if the sentence still works.
• Possessive pronouns never use apostrophes, and its is no exception.

Mastering the correct use of ‘it’s’ and ‘its’ is a small yet powerful way to enhance your English writing skills. While the rules may seem confusing at first, especially because its is an exception to the general possession rule, practicing the replacement test and understanding possessive pronouns will help you avoid errors. Good grammar adds clarity to communication and makes your writing look polished and professional. So next time you’re writing and hesitate between ‘its’ and ‘it’s,’ take a moment to check your sentence your readers will thank you for it.