CreateSpace Blog Refresher on IT'S/ITS

Are you confused by when to use IT'S and when to use ITS? If so, you have every right to be, because the correct way to use ITS goes against the general rule we're taught about apostrophes. Here's a refresher on the difference between IT'S and ITS:We normally use an apostrophe when something belongs to someone or something - in other words, to indicate possession:This diary belongs to Daphne.This is Daphne's diary.I like going to that movie theater because the seats there are super comfortableThat movie theater's seats are super comfortable. However, when something belongs to IT, no apostrophe is needed:That movie theater's seats are super comfortable.I like going to that movie theater because ITS seats are super comfortable.Daphne's diary has a green cover.That's Daphne's diary, and ITS cover is green.We also use apostrophes as a contraction for a noun plus the verb IS or HAS:This seat is super comfortable.This seat's super comfortable. (Seat + IS)Gloria has seen that movie three times.Gloria's seen that movie three times. (GLORIA + HAS)Following the contraction rule for apostrophes, IT'S is used as a contraction for IT IS or IT HAS:IT IS getting dark, so I really should go home.IT'S getting dark, so I really should go home. (IT + IS)Are you okay? IT HAS been weeks since I've heard from you.Are you okay? IT'S been weeks since I've heard from you. (IT + HAS)Do the above examples make sense? Essentially, ITS as the possessive form of IT is an exception to the rule regarding apostrophes, so it comes down to memorization to get it right.-MariaMaria Murnane is a paid CreateSpace contributor and the best-selling author of the Waverly Bryson series, Cassidy Lane, Katwalk, and Wait for the Rain. She also provides consulting services on book publishing and marketing. Have questions for Maria? You can find her at www.mariamurnane.com.You may also be interested in...Two abbreviations that are easy to confuseAre you making this common grammar mistake?