How to Master This Tricky Pair in Under 3 Minutes
It’s one of the most common grammar mistakes in writing—and one of the easiest to fix. Whether you're drafting a novel, writing blog posts, or sending emails, misusing its and it’s can make your work look rushed or unpolished. In this quick guide, we’ll clear up the confusion once and for all.
What’s the Difference Between Its and It’s?
Let’s break it down:
- Its is a possessive pronoun, meaning it shows ownership.
Example: The dog chased its tail. - It’s is a contraction of it is or it has.
Example: It’s going to be a long day.
Example: It’s been a while since we talked.
They sound exactly the same, but the meaning and grammar are totally different.
Common Mistakes (And How to Spot Them)
Here’s where things get tricky: since possessive nouns use apostrophes (the cat’s toy), it’s easy to assume that its should too. But its is the exception.
Wrong: The company updated it’s website.
Right: The company updated its website.
Tip: If you can replace the word with it is or it has, you want it’s. If not, use its.
Quick Test: It’s or Its?
Try this sentence:
The robot lost ___ arm.
- Would "it is arm" or "it has arm" make sense? Nope.
✅ The correct choice is: its.
Try another:
___ been a long week.
- Would "it is been a long week" work? Not really.
- How about "it has been a long week"? Yes.
✅ The correct answer: it’s
Why This Matters for Writers
This small error might not seem like a big deal, but it can signal to readers, editors, and agents that your writing needs more polish. For self-published authors, these types of mistakes show up in reviews. For freelance writers, they can cost you client trust.
Getting this right shows you care about clarity and professionalism—and that builds credibility.
The difference between its and it’s may be tiny, but it’s one of the most visible grammar mistakes out there. Luckily, now you know how to spot it and fix it fast. Bookmark this page or add it to your editing checklist—your future self will thank you.