Communications 8/9/2016

It’s, Its or Its’

This type of writing error is small enough to be overlooked, but large enough to stand out like a sore thumb. It’s the one error that makes your former English teacher cry. But it’s also the one rule that’s easiest to nail down.
It’s This form is always a contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
It’s on the bookshelf. (It is)
It’s been a pleasure working with you. (It has)

Its This form is actually a possessive pronoun, obliterating the rule for possessive pronouns (‘s or s’).
Your writing has lost its meaning.
I love it! I love its color, its texture, its style.

Its’ This isn’t a word. Adding an apostrophe after the “s” doesn’t make it a possessive pronoun.

You can easily avoid this writing mistake by proofing your work and reading the sentence out loud. Replace “its” or “it’s” with “it is” or “it has.” If your sentence doesn’t make sense, you’re using the wrong word.

Happy writing!

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