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? :confused:

[JJ21]

you think too much :D

[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. :p

[MarkS]

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

[Satori]

"Proper grammar has its advantages."

[clavery]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497246#post11497246 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> 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:rolleyes: )

[pnosko]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497207#post11497207 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MarkS
So, which is it? :confused: 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]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497269#post11497269 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> 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.

:rolleyes: 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]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497252#post11497252 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Satori
"Proper grammar has its advantages."

Just not hear. :hmm5:

[Freed]

Nor their.

[der_wille_zur_macht]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497309#post11497309 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> 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]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497207#post11497207 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MarkS
I can not figure

cannot is one word :D

[MarkS]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497492#post11497492 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crp
cannot is one word :D

I'm sorry. Are you referring to me? :confused:

[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?! :D

[joeychitwood]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497309#post11497309 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> 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 (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1280542).)

[der_wille_zur_macht]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11503357#post11503357 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by joeychitwood
pregnant pause

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

[Anemone]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11497269#post11497269 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> 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]

http://www.mentalfloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/grammar_cat.jpg

[KT & SJ]

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

SJ