It’s or its? A simple way to get it right

You’re halfway through an email when a tiny word stops you: should the company launch its new website or it’s new website? The apostrophe can look right in either place, especially when you’re writing quickly.

The answer is its new website. Here’s a quick check you can use next time.

The difference in one sentence

It’s is short for it is or it has. Its means belonging to, or associated with, it.

Try expanding the word in your sentence:

• It’s ready for review. → It is ready for review.
• It’s been a busy morning. → It has been a busy morning.
• The report needs its final chapter. → The report needs it is final chapter. That doesn’t work, so there’s no apostrophe.

Why possession can feel confusing

We write the editor’s desk and the company’s website, so it’s tempting to add an apostrophe whenever something belongs to something else.

But words such as his, hers, ours and theirs show possession without an apostrophe. Its follows the same pattern.

For example: The laptop is back in its case. The case belongs with the laptop; you’re not saying that the laptop “is” or “has” anything.

Remember to try both expansions

If it is doesn’t fit, don’t immediately choose its. Check it has too. In It’s already arrived, the missing words are it has.

You may also see both forms in one sentence: It’s time for the charity to update its leaflet. The first means it is; the second links the leaflet to the charity.

Try it yourself

Choose it’s or its:

1. The museum has changed ___ opening hours.
2. ___ been a pleasure working with you.
3. ___ easier to check a document when ___ layout is clear.

When proofreading, search for both forms and test each one in its sentence. A familiar-looking word can be easy to skim past.

For more ways to check your writing, read our four quick proofreading tips.