Introduction to 'It's' vs 'Its'
In this lesson, we delve into one of the common areas of confusion in English: the difference between 'it's' and 'its'. Understanding this distinction is crucial for writing correctly and clearly in English. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use 'it's' and 'its' in your sentences, enhancing both your writing and comprehension skills.
Learning Objectives
- Grasp the difference between 'it's' and 'its'.
- Learn to use 'it's' and 'its' correctly in sentences.
- Avoid common mistakes in using these two terms.
Understanding 'It's' and 'Its'
Rule 1: 'It's' = 'It Is' or 'It Has'
- Use: 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.
- Example: "It's an original research article." (It is)
- Example: "It's taken a long time to analyse the data." (It has)
- Example: "It's been a good learning experience for the graduate students." (It has)
Rule 2: 'Its' = Belonging to It
- Use: 'Its' is a possessive pronoun meaning belonging to it.
- Example: "The journal celebrated its tenth anniversary."
- Example: "Its citations are from the past five years."
Conclusion / Summary and Takeaways
This lesson on 'It's' vs 'Its' in English is a vital part of mastering written English.
Key Takeaways:
- 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.
- 'Its' indicates possession, meaning something belongs to 'it'.
- Knowing the difference enhances clarity in writing and reading.
Tips for Remembering:
- To remember the difference, associate 'it's' with the words it replaces ('it is' or 'it has').
- Visualize 'its' as part of the object it describes to reinforce its possessive nature.
- Practice writing sentences using both 'it's' and 'its' to solidify your understanding.
Remember to apply these rules in your daily writing. Share your learning journey and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/learningenglishfree.co.uk for more tips and lessons.