Don’t Ever Write “It’s”

Literacy Capsule 1: Writing "it's" when the context calls for "its" can destroy your credibility. Learn to avoid this embarrassing error.

The number one spelling error that draws the ire and/or ridicule of everyone who knows better is writing it’s when the context calls for its.

Incorrect: The dog is wagging it’s tail.

Correct: The dog is wagging its tail.

There’s an easy way to keep this error from creeping into your written work.

Don’t EVER write it’s.

At least, not in your first draft.

If what you mean is it is, write it is.

If what you mean isn’t “it is,” write its. NO APOSTROPHE, EVER!

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One Response

  1. That is good advice which I will take to heart in the future. I have long known the difference between the two and have often caught myself making that mistake. I shudder to think how often I may have made that mistake and failed to catch it.

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