After coming across the non-word its’ (with an apostrophe) for the nth time, I decided I needed to make a statement that I’m hoping most of you already know: It’s is not rocket science.
Why do writer complicate the it issue? With most all other words, deciding when to use an apostophe+s or an s+apostrophe can be a little daunting (see earlier posts with the tag “apostrophes”). But really, with it’s, it’s just plain simple:
The word it’s ONLY means “it is.” It’s a contraction.
You have to be able to replace it with “it is.” Period. End of discussion.
Any other usage of its leaves out the apostrophe. Its is an adjective; it is is a noun + a verb. There is no word its’. (How would you pronounce that—”itzes”?)
- A dog bites its fleas
- Its icing was dripping down the sides
- The boat had its motor pulled
- It’s about time we writers got this down!
Like I said–it’s not rocket science. Too bad not all words needing apostrophes follow this simple rule.
