Common Grammar Mistakes - It's vs. Its

Part four in the "Common Grammar Mistakes" series.  Last time we talked about their vs. there vs. they're.  Here, we discuss another common grammar mishap.

It’s vs. Its
Finding the correct usage for these two words can be challenging to some writers.  But it need not be.  The difference between “it’s” and “its” is that one is a contraction and one indicates possession.

It’s is short for “it is” or “it has”.  You would use “it’s” in the following scenarios:

• It’s raining outside.
• The stock market is so bad that I don’t know if it’s ever going to get better.
• I’m glad we met up for lunch, it’s been good to see you.
• It’s been weeks since I’ve talked to you!

Its is always used to indicate possession, but generally not when talking about humans.  In the case of humans, you would use “his” or “her”.  You would use “its” in the following scenarios:

• The bird flapped its wings.
• That company has its own web page.
• The flower lost some of its petals today.

Here is an example that utilizes both it's and its:

• It’s interesting to watch my dog chase its tail.