It's vs Its: When to Use Each One
It's vs. Its
If you have a question about when to use "it's" of "its" review the information below.
The apostrophe [‘] has four uses.
1.
In contractions
When two words are run together, an apostrophe shows that a letter of letters have been left out
don’t = do not
can’t = can not or cannot
s/he’ll = s/he will
it’s = it is or it has
When two words are run together, an apostrophe shows that a letter of letters have been left out
don’t = do not
can’t = can not or cannot
s/he’ll = s/he will
it’s = it is or it has
2.
To show possession
2.1. Singular – [‘] + s is
used to show possession with
a indefinite pronouns – referring to an unknown or unspecified person
Anyone’s suggestions would be welcome
Someone’s proposal was discussed.
b animate nouns – living things such as people or animals
Henry’s coat his friend’s car
the cat’s paw the manager’s office
a indefinite pronouns – referring to an unknown or unspecified person
Anyone’s suggestions would be welcome
Someone’s proposal was discussed.
b animate nouns – living things such as people or animals
Henry’s coat his friend’s car
the cat’s paw the manager’s office
2.1.1.
Plural
a when the plural ends in s, use s = [‘] to show possession
The boys’ race; the ladies’ evening
when the plural ends any other way, use [‘] + s
The men’s room; the children’s games
c for organisations either [‘s] or of the can be used
the government’s decision or the decision of the government
the firm’s success or the success of the firm
d for places
the city’s oldest building world’s population
New Zealand’s largest city
Note: for inanimate nouns (non-living things) and ideas we usually use
of the
the door of the garage (not the garage’s door)
the author of the book
the manager of the farm
It is sometimes possible to use noun + Noun where the first noun acts as an adjective describing the second noun
the garage door the farm manager
Plural nouns which are more adjectival than possessive are often written without an apostrophe.
a girls high school (a high school for girls – not of girls)
the senior citizens centre (the centre for senior citizens)
a teachers training college (a training college for teachers)
a when the plural ends in s, use s = [‘] to show possession
The boys’ race; the ladies’ evening
when the plural ends any other way, use [‘] + s
The men’s room; the children’s games
c for organisations either [‘s] or of the can be used
the government’s decision or the decision of the government
the firm’s success or the success of the firm
d for places
the city’s oldest building world’s population
New Zealand’s largest city
Note: for inanimate nouns (non-living things) and ideas we usually use
of the
the door of the garage (not the garage’s door)
the author of the book
the manager of the farm
It is sometimes possible to use noun + Noun where the first noun acts as an adjective describing the second noun
the garage door the farm manager
Plural nouns which are more adjectival than possessive are often written without an apostrophe.
a girls high school (a high school for girls – not of girls)
the senior citizens centre (the centre for senior citizens)
a teachers training college (a training college for teachers)
2.2. Expressions of time
One hour’s work; three years’ experience
Note: in the 1900s; before the 1960s (no apostrophe)
Never use apostrophes with person pronouns or possessive adjectives. These already show possession.
Personal pronouns Possessive adjectives
mine my
her / ours her, his, its
ours our
yours your
theirs their
One hour’s work; three years’ experience
Note: in the 1900s; before the 1960s (no apostrophe)
Never use apostrophes with person pronouns or possessive adjectives. These already show possession.
Personal pronouns Possessive adjectives
mine my
her / ours her, his, its
ours our
yours your
theirs their
3.
To guide pronunciation
Fatu Feu’u is a well-know Samoan artist.
Fatu Feu’u is a well-know Samoan artist.
4.
To prevent confusion
He earned two A’s for his assignments.
Do the i’s and cross the t’s.
He earned two A’s for his assignments.
Do the i’s and cross the t’s.
Reference:
McLaren, M. (1991). Check it out: A guide to effective writing.
Auckland:
Longman Paul.
