Same sound, different use
its vs it's
Same sound, different meaning and spelling
Its is the possessive form of it. It’s is a contraction of it is or it has. The apostrophe in it’s marks missing letters; it does not mark possession.
Context decides
Use the expansion test every time
The sound gives no clue, and the familiar apostrophe-for-possession rule does not apply to possessive pronouns.
Possession: its
Use its when something belongs or relates to the thing represented by it.
The company changed its policy.
It is / it has: it’s
Use it’s only as a shortened version of it is or it has.
It’s been a productive week. = It has been a productive week.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use its before something that belongs or relates to a thing, animal, organization, or idea already called it. Use it’s only when the full sentence works with it is or it has. English possessive pronouns such as his, hers, yours, and its do not take apostrophes.
Optional listening · American English
Hear the shared pronunciation
These terms share a standard pronunciation. Use the recordings to learn the sound, then use meaning and context to choose the spelling.
Word 1
its
possessive determiner or pronoun
Belonging or relating to the thing, animal, or idea referred to as it.
US pronunciation
/ɪts/
UK IPA
/ɪts/
Hear two natural voices
Word 2
it's
contraction
A shortened form of it is or it has.
US pronunciation
/ɪts/
UK IPA
/ɪts/
Hear two natural voices
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
its
- The dog wagged its tail.
- The phone has lost its signal.
- Every team has its own working style.
Examples with
it's
- It's colder today than yesterday.
- It's been a pleasure working with you.
- I think it's ready to publish.