Many people stop while writing and wonder: should it be its or it’s? This small apostrophe creates one of the most common mistakes in English. Students, bloggers, and professionals often search this keyword because both forms look almost the same but mean different things.
The confusion happens because most possessive words use an apostrophe, like John’s book. So people assume it’s also shows possession. But English grammar works differently here, which causes errors in emails, articles, and social media posts.
The good news is that the rule is simple once you understand it. This guide explains the difference, origin, common mistakes, and real-life examples in clear language. After reading, you will easily know when to use its and when to use it’s, helping your writing look more professional and correct.
Quick Answer
The difference is simple:
- Its = shows possession (belongs to something)
- It’s = short form of it is or it has
Examples:
- The dog wagged its tail. (possession)
- It’s raining outside. (it is)
- It’s been a long day. (it has)
Quick test: Replace it’s with it is. If the sentence works, use it’s.
The Origin of Its or It’s
The word it comes from Old English, used to refer to objects or animals. In early English, writers used his as a possessive form for objects. Later, the word its developed as the correct possessive form.
The apostrophe form it’s came later as a contraction of it is or it has.
There are no spelling differences between regions. The confusion exists because English normally uses apostrophes for possession, but its is an exception.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English.
Both regions use the same rules.
| Region | Possessive Form | Contraction |
| American English | its | it’s |
| British English | its | it’s |
| Global English | its | it’s |
Grammar rules are identical worldwide.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use spelling based on grammar, not location.
Guidelines:
- Possession → its
- Short form of it is or it has → it’s
This rule works everywhere, whether your readers are in the US, UK, or anywhere else.
Common Mistakes with Its or It’s
Many writers mix the forms.
| Mistake | Correct Form |
| The company changed it’s logo. | The company changed its logo. |
| Its raining today. | It’s raining today. |
| The cat cleaned it’s paws. | The cat cleaned its paws. |
| Mixing forms randomly | Follow grammar rule |
Tip: If you can replace the word with it is, use it’s.
Its or It’s in Everyday Examples
The difference appears in daily writing.
Emails
“The company updated its policy.”
News Writing
“It’s expected to rain tomorrow.”
Social Media
“It’s finally weekend!”
Office Communication
“The team changed its strategy.”
Academic Writing
“The machine adjusts its speed.”
Its or It’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search interest remains high globally.
People search this keyword because:
- It is a common grammar mistake.
- Students need writing help.
- Professionals want correct emails and reports.
High search activity appears in:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- India
- Pakistan
- Canada
Search spikes usually happen during school terms and exam periods.
Keyword Variations Comparison
| Variation | Meaning |
| its | Possessive form |
| it’s | It is / It has |
| its’ | Incorrect form |
| it is | Expanded contraction |
| it has | Expanded contraction |
Best usage depends on grammar.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between its and it’s?
Its shows possession. It’s means it is or it has.
2. Is it’s ever possessive?
No, it’s is never possessive.
3. Why is its possessive without an apostrophe?
Because possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes.
4. Can I replace it’s with it is?
Yes, and the sentence should still work.
5. Is this rule the same worldwide?
Yes, everywhere.
6. Why do people confuse them?
Because most possessive words use apostrophes.
7. Is its’ ever correct?
No, that spelling is incorrect.
Conclusion
The difference between its or it’s is small but important. Using the wrong form can make writing look careless, even if the message is clear. Luckily, the rule is easy once you remember that it’s always means it is or it has, while its shows possession.
Unlike many English spelling differences, this rule is the same worldwide. Writers everywhere follow the same grammar structure, so learning this rule improves writing globally.
In daily communication, correct usage builds professionalism in emails, articles, and social media posts. When unsure, simply test the sentence by replacing it’s with it is. If the sentence still makes sense, you chose correctly.
Small grammar improvements like this greatly improve writing clarity and reader trust.
