Grammer :D police! Its or it's? That is the question...

[MarkS]

I cannot figure out when to use "its" or "it's". The very fact that "its" is a valid word flies in the face of grammar rules. If "its" is possessive, then it should be "it's". If "its" is a contraction (it is), then it should also be "it's".

So, which is it?

[JJ21]

you think too much

[Satori]

The apostrophe is used to replace letters or words, so "It's" is short for "It is".

[Satori]

But I guess you already knew that.

[MarkS]

Yes, I did. I guess the question becomes: When do I use "its"?

[Satori]

"Proper grammar has its advantages."

[clavery]

Originally posted by MarkS
Yes, I did. I guess the question becomes: When do I use "its"?

When it's possessive, as in "the dog bit its tail."

(english teacher father )

[pnosko]

Originally posted by MarkS
So, which is it?

This is one of those exceptions to the rule; you know the American-English language has more exceptions than rules.

The form it's is the contraction of it is, while its is the possessive form.

[dc]

Too deep for me....

[MarkS]

Originally posted by pnosko
This is one of those exceptions to the rule; you know the American-English language has more exceptions than rules.

The form it's is the contraction of it is, while its is the possessive form.

I'm going to take up Russian.

[Freed]

Could you then say "it's what it's" for the phrase "it is what it is".

[FloatingFish]

Originally posted by Satori
"Proper grammar has its advantages."

Just not hear.

[Freed]

Nor their.

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Originally posted by Freed
Could you then say "it's what it's" for the phrase "it is what it is".

It's what it's: it's correct!

[crp]

Originally posted by MarkS
I can not figure

cannot is one word

[MarkS]

Originally posted by crp
cannot is one word

I'm sorry. Are you referring to me?

[The Grim Reefer]

It depends on what the definition of the word it is.

[Altpers0na]

for me , grammer is the opposite of a speeding ticket..

speeding tickets i get, grammer i dont...

[dinoman]

SK8R! Where are you?!

[joeychitwood]

Originally posted by Freed
Could you then say "it's what it's" for the phrase "it is what it is".

That doesn't sound nearly as profound as a serious face, a headshake and a slow "It is what it is," followed by a pregnant pause for effect. (See my previous rant.)

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Originally posted by joeychitwood
pregnant pause

Ok, who's exclamation point has been fooling around with the doc's pause again?!?!?

[Anemone]

Originally posted by pnosko
This is one of those exceptions to the rule; you know the American-English language has more exceptions than rules.

The form it's is the contraction of it is, while its is the possessive form.

Yep. In the un-apostrophied state, "its" exists only as a possesive form - like "his" or "theirs," so no apostrophy required.

Kevin

[Altpers0na]

[KT & SJ]

Use the ' when putting it and is together. No ' when you aren't. Like, it's scratching its butt.

SJ