its — meaning in English: its

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for its

its

remain

husband

control

Skip this question

🎓

Learn English for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'its' when referring to something that belongs to or is associated with a previously mentioned noun, such as in sentences like, 'The dog wagged its tail.' This word commonly appears in both conversational and written English, particularly when describing objects, animals, or abstract ideas without specifying gender.

Synonyms & nuances

'Its' is unique in that it specifically denotes possession by non-human subjects, while 'his' and 'her' are used for males and females, respectively. You would choose 'its' when discussing a thing, animal, or abstract idea to avoid confusion with gendered pronouns.

Culture

'Its' is a possessive pronoun that evolved from Old English 'hit,' which meant 'it.' Interestingly, while many languages have gendered pronouns, English simplifies things by using 'its' for inanimate objects, making it easier to communicate without the complications of gender.

FAQ

Q.What does 'its' mean in English?

'Its' is a possessive pronoun used to indicate ownership or association for a non-human subject, like an object or animal.

Q.When should I use 'its' instead of 'it's'?

'Its' shows possession, while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has.' You should use 'its' when you want to indicate that something belongs to 'it.'

Q.Can 'its' be used in formal writing?

'Its' is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. You can confidently use it in essays, reports, or everyday conversations.

Learn english with Maspeak →

English 1000