Understanding 'its'
'Its' is a possessive pronoun used in the English language to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with a thing previously mentioned or easily identified.
Definition of 'its'
'Its' is the possessive form of the pronoun 'it'. For example, in the sentence "The dog wagged its tail," 'its' indicates that the tail belongs to the dog.
Common Usage
The pronoun 'its' is typically used in various scenarios, including:
- Describing possessions: "The cat licked its paws."
- Indicating characteristics: "The company increased its revenue."
- In scientific contexts: "Each cell has its own function."
Common Mistakes
One of the common pitfalls when using 'its' is confusing it with 'it's'. Here's the distinction:
- 'Its' is possessive: "The bird built its nest."
- 'It's' is a contraction for "it is" or "it has": "It's a beautiful day."
Examples of Usage
Here are some sentences showcasing the correct usage of 'its':
- The smartphone lost its charge quickly.
- The tree shed its leaves in autumn.
- The book has its own unique storyline.
Related Terms
In addition to 'its', here are a few related terms:
- His: Possessive form of 'he'.
- Her: Possessive form of 'she'.
- Their: Possessive form of 'they' used for plural subjects.