Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
“Its” Defies the Rules
Step1
Its (without the apostrophe) is used to indicate possession. In another words, it indicates that something belongs to it.
Step2
Remember that the possessive use of “its” defies how we use possessives everywhere else in our writing. If the bone belongs to the dog, we would call it the dog’s bone. Notice the apostrophe and the “s.” But the confounding and mysterious English language changes the rules for us in mid-stream.
Step3
Study these examples: The dog has lost its bone. The cat licks its fur. Look! That car is losing its bumper! (Hint: They’re all correct!)
Understanding “It’s”
Step1
Start by remembering that it’s, with an apostrophe, is a contraction. That means it is shorthand for two words: “it is” or “it has”. Other examples of contractions: you’re (you are), “I’m” (I am), and they’re (they are). Got it? Let’s move on.
Step2
As a mental test, separate the word into its parts whenever you’re tempted to use it in a sentence and aren’t sure whether you’re correct. Try these examples: It’s a wonderful life. (It is a wonderful life.) It’s a boy! (It is a boy!) I think it’s a colossal waste of time. (I think it is a colossal waste of time.) See? The examples work.
Step3
Now every time you write a sentence using it’s, try separating the word in your head to see if you’ve used it correctly. Remember: it’s = it is. Practice for several months until it becomes second nature to you.