The word it’s is a contraction. When we push together the words it is, an apostrophe replaces the letter i;
it is becomes it’s.
I can see it is getting cloudy. I can see it’s getting cloudy.
Billy has a kite, but it is broken. Billy has a kite, but it’s broken.
Sam is hungry, but it is too early for lunch. Sam is hungry, but it’s too early for lunch.
The word its is a possessive pronoun. We use the word its when we talk about an ungendered object owning something.
The cat chased its tail. The tail is owned by the cat.
The book was more interesting than its cover would indicate. The cover is owned by the book.
That is a nice coat, but its collar is ripped. The collar is owned by the coat.
Remember that the word it’s with an apostrophe is a contraction that really means it is.
Its is a pronoun that shows ownership.
▶ Now it’s your turn. Decide whether to use it’s or its in this sentence: The siren is blaring, and ____ very loud. Did you use the contraction for this sentence? Good for you!