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Its does not need an apostrophe when used as a possessive pronoun. This puts it in line with the other possessive pronouns his and hers, which also do not have apostrophes.
Examples of the use of possessive pronouns: The dog ate its food. The girl brushed her teeth.
However it's is a contraction of the words it and is. Like all contractions it is only used in speech, or in very informal writing.
Example of the use of contractions: It's not raining. It isn't raining.
The first example combines it and is to form it's, while the second combines is and not to make another contraction, isn't.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThis is a long drawn out story beginning in at least the 17'th century when both "its" and "it's" were used, abused and confused, with no agreement yet as to which one is what.
There are forty or more books of English usage that try to sort this mess out with no success to this date.
And the fact of the matter is that nobody cares. We are all happy these days with the unapostrophized version (its) whether it is a neuter possessive pronoun, a genetive, or a contraction of "it is" (which, incidentally used to be 'tis), so that is why we no longer apostrophize "its".
The English language evolves through general acceptance; words that are no longer acceptable fall into disuse while others take their place.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago'It's' is a contraction of the two words 'it is'. This has nothing to do with the word 'its' which is a possessive pronoun. The confusion arises because the pronunciation is the same.
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Why the apostrophe in Levi's?
The apostrophe in "Levi's" comes from the founder's name, Levi Strauss. The brand started with his name and has become a symbol of quality in the denim industry. The use of the apostrophe shows ownership or association with Levi Strauss.
Do you need to use an apostrophe when showing ownership to the word bosses?
An apostrophe is needed: the bosses' profits = the profits of all the bosses the boss's profits = the profits of the boss When the noun is plural, the apostrophe goes at the end of the word. When the noun is singular, the apostrophe goes after the word, before the s. Hope this helps.
When do you use apostrophe after doctors?
When you are denoting ownership, as in "The doctor's thermometer was in his pocket," you use an apostrophe. The apostrophe would come after 'doctors' if you were referring to more than one doctor in denoting ownership, for example, "The doctors' patients were getting impatient."
When to use an apostrophe after the s?
A possessive apostrophe goes at the end of a word to indicate ownership by a plural subject, hence: "The boys' bike" describes two or more boys who share one bike as opposed to "The boy's bike" which means there is only one boy who owns the bike.
How do you use an apostrophe after the word customer?
For singular possession, it would be customer's.For plural possession, it would be customers'.An apostrophe would not be placed on its own after the word customer.
When to use a apostrophe with will not?
you dont use an apostrophe in will not
Do you need to use an apostrophe when showing ownership to the word bosses?
An apostrophe is needed: the bosses' profits = the profits of all the bosses the boss's profits = the profits of the boss When the noun is plural, the apostrophe goes at the end of the word. When the noun is singular, the apostrophe goes after the word, before the s. Hope this helps.
What is the use of the apostrophe in this sentence billy's?
The apostrophe in the word Billy's means Billy's ownership of something.
When do you use apostrophe after doctors?
When you are denoting ownership, as in "The doctor's thermometer was in his pocket," you use an apostrophe. The apostrophe would come after 'doctors' if you were referring to more than one doctor in denoting ownership, for example, "The doctors' patients were getting impatient."
Is there an apostrophe in journeys?
no, you only use apostrophes to show ownership, or to replace letters in shortened words.
Does grandmas have an apostrophe?
Use an apostrophe if you want to show possession. Example: grandma's garden
Do you use an apostrophe after the word ross?
Yes, if it will mean an ownership of Ross. Example: Ross' bag or Ross's bag
What does the apostrophe in the Arabic language mean when you write the pronunciation in English?
you dont use apostrophe's in Arabic. (i study Arabic in school)
What is correct when signing a Christmas card The Coker's or The Cokers?
I am an English major. If you are not showing possession, then there is no apostrophe. You are just showing plurality of your family. Therefore, The Cokers is correct. Oddly enough, most of the cards I receive, use the apostrophe and I always think, "This is not showing possession"..haha:)
One use of an apostrophe is to?
1) An apostrophe can be used to denote ownership. I.E. The man's dog was mean. 2) An apostrophe can be used to make contractions. I.E. Will + Not = Won't Can + Not = Can't It + Is = It's 3) There are more, so just keep looking. They're out there.
How do you form possessive of noun showing separate joint ownership?
When the nouns of a compound subject or object share the same thing, use just one apostrophe for the last noun of the compound group:Jeff and Joan's dog is a malamute.When the nouns of a compound subject or object differ in ownership, then both nouns are possessive:Jeff's and Joan's dogs both won prizes.
Do you use an apostrophe at the end of a name on a yard sign?
Yes if it shows ownership of the yard. Examples: Lucy's yard. Ross' yard.
