What is the difference between its and it’s

Written on May 20, 2008 – 8:12 pm | by Roman |

One of the reasons I started this blog was to write about everything that can make us more successful and more money.

It’s been 9 days since I started this blog. During these 9 days I have written 22 articles and have learned that…

I have absolutely no idea what’s the difference between its and it’s

I am a bit ashamed to admit it but I really have no idea when to use “its” and when to use “it’s”. The good news is that thanks to Wordpress’s spell check I now know that I truly had no idea.

I first discovered my inability a few days ago when I was writing a post about the fact that absolutely anyone can make money. After writing that post I have probably had to choose at least 10 times between its and it’s.

Now, you can think I’m stupid, but considering the fact that English is not my first language I think I’m doing pretty fine. My first language is Estonian and in addition to English I can also speak Russian and a bit of German. :twisted: Being multilingual is a benefit you get from living in a small country.

All that aside I had just discovered that during most of my life I have probably misused the words its and it’s. Growing more and more unhappy I finally Googled when to use its and it’s. Although I was beginning to think that I’m not the smartest guy out there and in no way has someone written an article as basic as where to use its and where to use it’s, but to my delight I was mistaken.

According to Wikihow here is the secret:

When you can substitute “its” or “it’s” for “it is” or “it has” then the correct form is “it’s”

Example: It’s a great blog I’m reading right now

When you can substitute “its” or “it’s” with “his” or “her” and it makes sense, then you should use “its”

Example: A table is a lifeless object, but if it could read its favorite thing to read would be this blog. :twisted:

Not knowing how to write proper English can cost you a lot of money!

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6 Comments »

Comment by Adam Primero
2008-05-21 11:09:55

Nice one Roman, I have that problem all the time. I started to not care. If your counting typos your probably at the wrong site.
Hey Roman, there is no link or contact info for you. How do I get in touch?

 
Comment by Roman
2008-05-21 17:56:46

There really isn’t a contact page yet, but It’s in my “to do” list.
You can drop me an email at roman [attt] financialjesus.com

Comment by Roman
2008-05-21 17:58:34

By the way - how much time do you spend on your blog every day? I mean both writing content for yourself and reading other blogs?

Comment by Adam Primero
2008-05-22 10:19:06

Dude… I would rather not think about it.
Some days I just read an hour or two, more If I am looking for something. I write pretty quick. It usually takes a half hour or so. Then another 30 to post it in all the places. I cant figure out the scribe fire yet. I get spurts were I can write it all in one shot, others it’s 2 or 3 times. Hey I gave you a plug on my site. Did you catch it? Also A link. I’m putting together something on facebook right now, it is killing my time. Check me out. Same user name.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
Comment by MoneyEnergy
2008-05-25 21:57:09

I can tell you the difference between “its” and “it’s.”

It’s actually quite simple:)

“It’s” is an abbreviation. It’s a short form for saying “it is.” Whenever you think in your head “it is a nice day” or “it is a girl” you can also say “it’s a nice day.”

But “its” is much more specific and should not be used as often. “Its” is a completely different word, it is not an abbreviation. It is a possessive pronoun. Example:

The dog chased its tail. (it chased ITS OWN tail)
Maria put on her hat. (”its” has the same use).

Wow, I never thought I’d give an English lesson on a PF blog, but I couldn’t help…:) it’s ok, it’s fun!:) … but I definitely don’t think you’re stupid. In fact I’m envious of Europeans and their multilingualism. Moi, je peux seulement parler francais et wenig deutsche.

Sorry- didn’t see the part of your post where you put in the Wikihow excerpt:)

Comment by Roman
2008-05-26 02:26:22

You lost me at the possessive pronoun part! :lol:

 
 
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This is a personal finance website with the main focus on psychological aspects of money. FinancialJesus.com is also about my discoveries and experiences related to investing, tips on success and life in general.
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My name is Roman - I'm a 25 year old university student from Estonia. During my short life I have been a door-to-door salesman in USA, a project manager in a mobile services company and currently am trying to start my own company! Contact me: roman[at]financialjesus.com

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