Definition of Its
Quick Meaning of Its
A word that shows that something belongs to or is connected to a thing.
Detailed Definition of Its
A possessive pronoun showing that something belongs to or is connected to a thing or animal.
How to Pronounce Its
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One syllable, pronounced /ɪts/. Sounds identical to 'it's' even though they have different meanings.
Watch out: Pronunciation is correct for most; the error is typically in spelling/writing, not speech.
Origin and Etymology of Its
From Old English 'his', the original possessive form; modern 'its' developed to mark neuter possessives.
How to Use Its in a Sentence
Each example shows “its” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The dog wagged its tail happily.”
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“The book lost its cover during the accident.”
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“Each company maintains its own quality standards.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Its
Common Synonyms for Its
Smart Synonyms for Its — When to Use Each
- his
- possessive for masculine singular nouns
- her
- possessive for feminine singular nouns
- their
- possessive for plural nouns or neutral
Common Collocations with Its
These phrases pair with “its” in everyday English:
- its own
- its tail
- its place
- its purpose
- its value
Common Mistakes When Using Its
Even fluent speakers slip up with “its”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The cat licked it's paw.
- ✓ Correct: The cat licked its paw.
- Why: 'Its' (no apostrophe) shows possession. 'It's' (with apostrophe) means 'it is'.
- ✗ Wrong: Each company has it's own rules.
- ✓ Correct: Each company has its own rules.
- Why: Use 'its' without apostrophe for possession. Save apostrophe for 'it is' (it's).
Words Confused With Its
- Its vs It's: 'Its' shows possession; 'it's' means 'it is'. Different words with the same pronunciation. Compare →
Frequently Asked Questions About Its
What is the meaning of "Its"?
A word that shows that something belongs to or is connected to a thing.
How do you pronounce "Its"?
The IPA is /ɪts/. One syllable, pronounced /ɪts/. Sounds identical to 'it's' even though they have different meanings.
What part of speech is "Its"?
"Its" is a phrase at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Its"?
Common synonyms include his, her, their.
How do you use "Its" in a sentence?
For example: "The dog wagged its tail happily."