Don’t confuse “it’s” and its.”
A lot of people make this mistake, but it’s actually an easy one to avoid if you remember that “it’s” is always a contraction for either “it is” or “it has.” In every other circumstance, “its” is correct.
Right: It’s a bad idea.
Right: The bird carries worms to its babies.
When in doubt, substitute the words “it is” for “its” or “it’s.” It is a bad idea sounds right, so you know the contraction “it’s” is appropriate. The bird carries worms to it is babies, however, is obviously wrong, so you must go with “its.”
Fill in the blanks with “it’s” or “its.”
- The dirty dog scratched______ head.
- ________ going to be stormy tomorrow.
- I think______a shame that this had to happen.
- That old toy has lost______appeal.
