Are you confused by when to use IT’S and when to use ITS? If so, you have every right to be, because the correct way to use ITS goes against the general rule we’re taught about apostrophes. Here’s a refresher on the difference between the two:
We normally use an apostrophe when something belongs to someone or something — in other words, to indicate possession:
However, when something belongs to IT, no apostrophe is needed:
We also use apostrophes as a contraction for a noun plus the verb IS or HAS:
Following the contraction rule for apostrophes, IT’S is used as contraction for IT IS or IT HAS:
Do the above examples make sense? Essentially, ITS as the possessive form of IT is an exception to the rule regarding apostrophes, so it comes down to memorization to get it right.