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“It's” or “Its”

it's / its are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

it's IH·t·s

No dictionary entry for this spelling — see the usage examples below for how it shows up in writing.

its IH·t·s

No dictionary entry for this spelling — see the usage examples below for how it shows up in writing.

Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“it's”

  • …in its tactics late in 1983.
  • …poses an unacceptable risk to taxpayers.
  • …its original name, Dominick and Dickerman.
  • …any mandate to instruct chief officers.
  • …its annual £850,000 grant to ACPO.
  • Its capacity is 2,500 people.
  • …requests for information under the Act.
  • …and the year later its vice-president.
  • …one of only two exchange members.
  • …B. Dominick, Andrew V. Stout, J.A.

“its”

  • Police forces began training in its tactics late in 1983.
  • Its opponents, however, feel it poses…
  • …business, the firm reverted to its original name, Dominick and Dickerman.
  • …ACPO had no powers of its own, nor any mandate to…
  • …Authorities said it was ending its annual £850,000 grant to ACPO.
  • Its capacity is 2,500 people.
  • In January 2011 its website still said it: "is…
  • …LTA and the year later its vice-president.
  • Dominick & Dickerman opened its first branch in 1889 in…
  • Dominick & Dickerman changed its name in 1899 to Dominick…

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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