November 9, 2008
It’s about its
Confusing it’s and its is a very common mistake in written English—but it’s also one of my biggest grammar pet peeves.
I understand people’s confusion. Usually, an apostrophe is used to indicate possession. But in this case, the version without an apostrophe is used to indicate possession. Very misleading indeed.
Here’s an explanation to help cut through the confusion:
It’s is a contraction for it is or it has.
(The apostrophe serves as a substitute for the missing letters.)
examples:
It’s a lovely day. (It is a lovely day.)
It’s been a fun weekend. (It has been a fun weekend.)
Its is a possessive pronoun.
examples:
New England is known for its picturesque seasons.
The dog wagged its tail.
Helpful hint:
When writing, ask yourself if the it’s/its you’re about to use can be replaced by it is or it has. If so, use it’s. If not, use its.
example:
The giraffe stretched it’s/its long neck.
Does it make sense to say, “The giraffe stretched it is long neck”? Of course not. So we go with its:
The giraffe stretched its long neck.
See, it’s not so bad after all!
Filed by rebecca at 7:07 pm under Grammar guide
I had to write a stupid government writing skills test the other day. I passed with the requisite over 80% by the way. Shocking, I know! Anyway, all I can say is thank goodness for your post on the proper use of quotation marks. There had to be have a dozen questions on how to use them. Like I use quotation marks ever at work!!!!!! Give me a break. Anyway, thanks, eh?
Oh, and I hope you noted the proper use of ‘…’ in my fiction piece on Friday. You teach, I learn.
Urban Panther: You’re welcome! It makes me very happy to know that I was able to help you in some small way. Those quotation marks can be tough little buggers.
(And, yes, I noticed with great pride your proper use of the ellipsis on Friday — or should I say Gweat Gumma’s? … )
Rebecca: you make these lessons so simple and easy I’m inclined to think you should collect them all and make a basic grammar guide! Seriously! Perhaps an ebook for bloggers, say, on writing posts that are at the very least grammatically correct to improve readership.
There are so many grammar books out there that only confuse the hell out of people even more with all their 500 pages and hard-to-remember terms and gazillion exceptions. your lessons are simple and concise. Examples are key, I’d say, and yours are great.
And for my next lesson, capitalization after a period…
Whoops!
Steph: What a nice thing to say! I’m so flattered that you think my lessons are simple and accessible. I’m on a mission to get people to embrace good grammar. That ebook idea isn’t bad …
The giraffe stretched “it is” long neck.
That’s just so SIMPLE!!!
Like DUH? Why didn’t I think of it that way?
You explain things really well. Are you sure you’re not a school teacher?
Thanks, Friar! You are too kind. Glad I helped clarify it’s/its for you. And, yes, I’m sure I’m not a teacher (that would be my husband) …
Oh man did you hit my major pet peeve! I see this mistake all the time, and it is one that sets my teeth on edge. I don’t expect everyone to have perfect grammar and I am pretty laid back when I see other errors but always wonder how could you get this one wrong? GRRRRR…. Of course I never say that but it’s nice to know it bugs you too.
Karen: It really bugs me. That’s why I did this post. Hopefully it will teach people the correct way to use it’s/its. Spread the word!
I am totally with Steph on this grammar book idea. Screw Strunk & White, or whomever they are! Dry! Boring! In one eye and out the other! I REMEMBER your lessons.
Thanks, Urban Panther! You guys are really giving me something to think about with this grammar book idea …
I love, love, love your posts. This is a great lesson. And I’m addicted to these tips. I’d totally buy the book. Could I have an autographed copy?
Beth: I’m very flattered that you think so! The grammar tips are fun to write; I’m thrilled to hear that they’re so well received.
And, sure, once the book is out, you can totally have an autographed copy!