A1determiner 1K

Its

UK /["/ɪts/"]/ US /["/ɪts/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

belonging to or connected with a thing, an animal or a baby

Listen to definition

In simple words: Belonging to it.

Examples

• Turn the box on its side.
• Have you any idea of its value?
• The dog had hurt its paw.
• The baby threw its food on the floor.

Usage notes

Used to show that something belongs to an object or animal. Make sure not to confuse it with 'it's' (it is).

Grammar pattern

possessive pronoun

Memory hint

Think of 'its' as the 's' at the end of 'possess' — it shows ownership.

Collocations

• its meaning
• its value
• its characteristics

Synonyms

• the
• this
• that
• belonging to it

Antonyms

• his
• her
• their

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'it's' (it is or it has).
• Used incorrectly to refer to people instead of objects.
• Omitted when needed to show possession.