Its Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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its

[ɪts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Pronoun}

used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified

Used to identify a specific person or thing that has already been mentioned or is clearly understood from the context.

Synonyms

that, the one.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
its	Use 'its' when showing possession for something belonging to or associated with a thing previously mentioned or easily identified. The dog wagged its tail. The company changed its policy.

Examples of usage

He said he would do it, but it's not clear when.
The cat sat on the mat, and its eyes gleamed in the darkness.

^{Context #2 | Contraction}

shortened form of 'it is' or 'it has'

A contraction representing 'it is' or 'it has'.

Synonyms

it has, it is.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
its	Use this possessive form to show that something belongs to or is part of something. It should not be confused with 'it's', which is a contraction. The cat licked its paw. The company expanded its services.
it is	Use this contraction to combine the pronoun 'it' with the verb 'is'. This is often used to describe something or to indicate the time, a condition, or a situation. It's a beautiful day today. It's raining outside.
it has	Use this to indicate that something possesses something or to denote that something has occurred. It can also be contracted to 'it's'. It has been a long day. It has a unique style.

Word

Description / Examples

its

Use this possessive form to show that something belongs to or is part of something. It should not be confused with 'it's', which is a contraction.

The cat licked its paw.
The company expanded its services.

it is

Use this contraction to combine the pronoun 'it' with the verb 'is'. This is often used to describe something or to indicate the time, a condition, or a situation.

It's a beautiful day today.
It's raining outside.

it has

Use this to indicate that something possesses something or to denote that something has occurred. It can also be contracted to 'it's'.

It has been a long day.
It has a unique style.

Examples of usage

It's raining outside.
It's been a long day.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'its'

The word 'its' originated from Middle English, where it was used as a possessive form of 'it'. Over time, it evolved to become a pronoun and a contraction in modern English. The use of 'its' as a possessive pronoun to indicate ownership or association with a gender-neutral or inanimate subject is a common feature in the English language.