Cool MateIt is vs It's __
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It is
High-frequency chunk
It's __
High-frequency chunk
| It is | It's __ | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt ɪz//🇺🇸 //ɪt ɪz// | 🇬🇧 //ɪts//🇺🇸 //ɪts// |
| Meaning | A way to say something is the case. | It is something |
| Example | It is important to study for exams. | It's going to rain today. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | High-frequency chunk | High-frequency chunk |
| Collocations | It is true, It is time, It is clear | it's my turn, it's your choice, it's too late |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'is' when speaking., Confusing with 'there is' which has a different usage., Using 'it’s' incorrectly instead of 'it is' in formal writing. | Omitting 'is', saying 'It's hot outside' as 'It's hot.', Confusing with 'Its' which indicates possession., Using 'it's' incorrectly with plural nouns. |
| Usage notes | Used to make statements about existence or situations. It is appropriate in both spoken and written English. More formal alternatives exist in specific contexts (e.g., 'This is'). | This phrase is often used to introduce or emphasize a statement. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: It is vs It's __
What's the difference between It is and It's __?
It is: A way to say something is the case. It's __: It is something
Can you show an example of each?
It is: It is important to study for exams. It's __: It's going to rain today.
Can I use It is and It's __ interchangeably?
Not always. It is and It's __ are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.