Languages › English as a Second Language The Difference Between It's and Its Getty Images English as a Second Language Grammar Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Business English Resources for Teachers By Kenneth Beare Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on January 21, 2020 One of the most common mistakes in English is the incorrect use of the contraction 'it's' (meaning it is) and the possessive adjective 'its'.Examples of Misused It's and ItsHere are some examples of this mistake:Its been a long while since we've seen each other. (correct: It's been a long while ...)We're sure that it's color is red. What do you think? (correct: ... that its color is red.)I don't know it's time. Do you know if its time yet? (correct: ... its time... it's time yet?)Of course, in spoken English, you can't tell if someone has made a mistake, but it's important not to make it in written English. Sometimes, it's just a typo (a mistake made when typing) that's caused the mistake, but sometimes the cause lies elsewhere.Read the following sentences:It's about time for the show.He'll tell you about its smell.What's the difference between 'it's' and 'its' in these two sentences?In the first case, 'it's' is short for the verb combination 'it is' in the sentence 'It's about time for the show'. In the second case, 'its' is the possessive adjective form showing possession in the sentence 'He'll tell you about its smell.' (A possessive adjective is an adjective expressing possession similar to pronouns. Examples include my, your, his, her, its, our, and their).Learn more about the differences between these two forms and practice to make sure you understand.Understanding It's vs. ItsIt's is the contracted form of it is or it has. This form is used in sentences or clauses with it as the subject of the sentence or clause with the verb "to be" used as either the helping verb (e.g. It's going ..., It's raining ...) or the principal verb of the sentence. At times it's is a contraction of the past participle used in the present perfect form it has been, done, rained, etc. it's = it isIt's difficult to find work these days.It's going to rain soon.It's = It is is often used with adjectives, nouns, the comparative and superlative.it's = it hasIt's been a while since I went there.It's done at the local shop.Its is the possessive adjective form. This form is used to express that "it" has a specific quality, or that something belongs to "it".I found its taste to be superb!Its color is deep red, almost Burgundy.It's vs. Its QuizDo you understand the rules? Practice by using the form in these sentences. 1. Do you think _______ easy or difficult? its it's Correct Wrong 2. My favorite book's cover is made of leather, and ______ pages are very fine paper. its it's Correct Wrong 3. Peter says ________ her fault, not his. its it's Correct Wrong 4. John told me that _______ impossible to get any work done. its it's Correct Wrong 5. Alan said _________ meaning eludes him. its it's Correct Wrong 6. Do you think ________ too late to go to the movie? its it's Correct Wrong 7. _________ colors include gold, purple and green. Its It's Correct Wrong 8. ________ time to go! Come on! Its It's Correct Wrong 9. Anna thinks _________ up to me whether we go on a week's vacation in the Bahamas. its it's Correct Wrong 10. Alan told me __________ structure was unique and that ________ worth a fortune! its/it's it's/its Correct Wrong The Difference Between It's and Its You got: % Correct. Share Your Results The Difference Between It's and Its You got: % Correct. Share Your Results