What is its? Pronunciation and usage in English

its means . Learn how to pronounce and use its through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of its

itsdeterminer

/ɪts/
Definition & pronunciation of its

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "its" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky word for many learners!

Here's the breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is: /ɪts/

Let's break that down further:

  • "i": This is pronounced like the "i" in "bit" – a short, quick "ih" sound.
  • "t": This is pronounced like the "t" in "top".
  • "s": This is pronounced like the "s" in "sun". Crucially, it's not like the "z" in "zebra."

Putting it together: It's a very short, clipped sound. Think of it as "ihst" – but it’s often rounded together into a single syllable.

Here’s how it sounds (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ɪts/

Tips for sounding right:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "s." It’s a very subtle sound.

  • Keep it short and quick. Avoid a drawn-out pronunciation.

  • Listen to examples: This is really important. Here are some resources:

Common mistakes:

  • Saying "itz" - This is a very common error. The "s" is crucial!
  • Pronouncing the "s" like the "z" in "zebra."
  • Adding a long "i" sound - ("ees")

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of how "its" is used in sentences?

Usage and examples with the word its in English

Let's break down how to use "its" correctly in English. It's a tricky one because it's often confused with "it's." Here's a detailed explanation:

1. "Its" as a Possessive Pronoun

  • What it is: "Its" shows ownership – who something belongs to. It's like saying "belonging to it."
  • How to use it: Use it before a noun.
  • Examples:
    • “The dog wagged its tail.” (The tail belongs to the dog.)
    • “The company announced its new policy.” (The policy belongs to the company.)
    • “The cat licked its paws.” (The paws belong to the cat.)

2. "It's" as a Contraction

  • What it is: "It's" is a shortened form of "it is" or "it has."
  • How to use it:
    • It is: “It’s raining today.” (meaning "It is raining today.")
    • It has: “It’s been a long day.” (meaning "It has been a long day.")

Important Note: You must have a verb ("is" or "has") to use "it's" correctly. Don't use it as a possessive.

Here's a table to summarize:

Word Meaning Example
Its Shows possession (belonging to it) The bird built its nest.
It's Short for “it is” or “it has” It’s a beautiful day.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Confusing "its" with "it's": This is the MOST common mistake. Always double-check whether you need a possessive ("its") or a contraction ("it's").
  • Using "its" as a contraction: Don't use "its" when you mean "it is" or "it has."

Tips for Remembering

  • Think of "its" as having an apostrophe: The apostrophe in "its" signifies possession – like you’re adding the word "of" (e.g., "the dog's tail").
  • Test it: If you're unsure, try rewriting the sentence without "its" or "it's." Can you say what belongs to "it"? If so, you need "its." If you need “it is” or “it has,” you need “it’s.”

Resources for Further Learning

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more practice sentences?
  • Explain a specific example in more detail?
  • Focus on a particular situation where "its" and "it's" are often confused (e.g., in formal writing)?

Synonyms for the word its

Practice with vocabulary its

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university is reviewing _______ admissions criteria for the upcoming academic year.
  2. The project team proudly presented _______ innovative solution to the client, confident in its success.
  3. Do you think _______ important to maintain a professional network for career advancement?
  4. The company emphasized that employees must be aware of _______ rights and responsibilities.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The research institution is well-regarded for (A) its / (B) it's / (C) their groundbreaking discoveries in medical science.
  2. After months of development, the software company finally released (A) its / (B) it's / (C) they're new operating system.
  3. The marketing campaign aimed to highlight the product and __________. (A) its unique features (B) it's unique features (C) the product's unique features (D) their unique features
  4. Before presenting to the board, ensure all team members have access to (A) they're / (B) there / (C) their respective reports.
  5. The new policy states that every employee is responsible for completing (A) it's / (B) his or her / (C) their / (D) its annual training requirements by the deadline.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The organization has made significant progress in achieving the goals of the organization. (Rewrite using "its")
  2. The project team submitted a comprehensive report that detailed the project's findings. (Rewrite using "its")
  3. The employees were informed that they needed to update their contact information. (Rewrite without using "its")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. its
  2. its
  3. it's
  4. their

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) its
  2. A) its
  3. A) its unique features, C) the product's unique features
  4. C) their
  5. B) his or her, C) their

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The organization has made significant progress in achieving its goals.
  2. The project team submitted a comprehensive report detailing its findings.
  3. The employees were informed that their contact information needed to be updated.

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