One shows possession, the other contracts 'it is' or 'it has'.
Possessive adjective for 'it'. Used when something belongs to a thing, animal, or concept already mentioned.
The dog lost its toy.
El perro perdió su juguete.
The company released its annual report.
La empresa publicó su informe anual.
The tree lost its leaves in autumn.
El árbol perdió sus hojas en otoño.
Contraction of 'it is' or 'it has'. Used to say something is or has done something.
It's raining outside.
Está lloviendo afuera.
It's been a long day.
Ha sido un día largo.
It's important to stay hydrated.
Es importante mantenerse hidratado.
Common mistake
Using 'it's' (contraction) when you mean the possessive 'its'. Wrong: "The cat licked it's paw." (correct: its paw)
Trick to remember it
Expand the contraction: if you can say 'it is' or 'it has' in that spot, use 'it's'. If not, use 'its'.
Quick rule
Replace with 'it is' or 'it has': if it fits, write 'it\'s'. If it shows possession, write 'its'.
Did you know?
'Its' is one of the only possessives in English without an apostrophe, alongside 'his', 'hers', 'ours', and 'theirs'. The rule 'apostrophe shows possession' does NOT apply to possessive pronouns.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The phone stopped working. _____ battery is dead.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
_____ getting dark outside. Let's go home.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Replace with 'it is' or 'it has': if it fits, write 'it\'s'. If it shows possession, write 'its'.
Using 'it's' (contraction) when you mean the possessive 'its'. Wrong: "The cat licked it's paw." (correct: its paw)
Expand the contraction: if you can say 'it is' or 'it has' in that spot, use 'it's'. If not, use 'its'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy