its
pronoun
the possessive form of it (used as an attributive adjective).
its
1 American
[its]
/ ɪts /
pronoun
it's
2
American
[its]
/ ɪts /
-
contraction of it is:
It's starting to rain.
-
contraction of it has: It's been a long time.
its
1
British
/ ɪts /
determiner
it's
2
British
/ ɪts /
contraction
Usage
While it is possible to use its as a predicate adjective ( The cat is angry because the bowl you're eating out of is its! ) or as a pronoun meaning “that or those belonging to it” ( Your notebook pages are torn. Borrow my notebook—its aren't ), such use is rare and in most circumstances strained. See also me.
See contraction.
One of the commonest mistakes made in written English is the confusion of its and it's . You can see examples of this every day in books, magazines, and newspapers: its good for us; a smart case with it's own mirror , and even Cheng, and its' subsidiaries . Its refers to something belonging to or relating to a thing that has already been mentioned: the baby threw its rattle out of the pram . It's is a shortened way of saying it is or it has (the apostrophe indicates that a letter has been omitted: it's a lovely day; it's been a great weekend .
Commonly Confused
A very common mistake is to write its (the possessive form of it ) when it's (the short form of it is or it has ) is required: It's [it is] unclear what he meant. It's [it has] been wonderful seeing you again. But do not use it's for it has when has is the main verb: It has a strong flavor; use it sparingly cannot be written as It's a strong flavor… An equally common mistake is to use it's for the possessive, probably because ordinary possessives of nouns are formed with an apostrophe: the dog's coat; Mary's cell phone. But the possessive its is a pronoun, not a noun, and, like other possessive pronouns ( his, hers, yours, and theirs ), is written without that particular bit of punctuation: I have to fix my bike. Its front wheel came off.
See its.
Etymology
Origin of its
First recorded in 1590–1600; earlier it's, equivalent to it 1 + 's 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
It’s largely what it sounds like: knocking all or most of the platform over onto its side to rest on the sea bottom.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 15, 2026
It comes as the government announced it will further widen eligibly for its scheme that offers jobless under-25s subsidised six-month job roles on the minimum wage.
From BBC ● Nov. 15, 2026
It gives the Fed a reason to raise rates again at its December meeting, and the potential to signal even more rate hikes in 2027.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 15, 2026
Taylor now rents out the Lompoc home at $2,600 a month, enough to pay for its own expenses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 15, 2026
“I disagree with you completely. I think the art was about celebrating its subjects, not demeaning them. But, Earl, I’m not willing to end our relationship on a difference of opinion. I love you.”
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
“That has been the No. 1 concern we’ve always had, because we have an example of state disaster insurance: It’s the CEA, and it’s broken,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 15, 2026
When the going has got tough, he has stood up, whether it's being stared down at a Siva Tau or Haka or having to manhandle a big opponent by the line.
From BBC ● Nov. 15, 2026
Perhaps they were being polite, or maybe it’s becoming more of a norm, especially here in San Francisco.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 15, 2026
That’s why the name Philomena Cunk, because it’s slightly posh.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 15, 2026
“I know I get carried away. But opening a school is something I’ve wanted to do forever. I can’t wait! Lala, it’s gonna change this town!” he promises.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
