Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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How should “its” and “it’s” be differentiated in usage?

Its is a contraction; it’s indicates possession
It’s indicates possession; its is a contraction
Its is possessive; it’s means it is or it has
There’s no difference between the two

The correct answer is: Its is possessive; it’s means it is or it has

Understanding the distinction between "its" and "it’s" is essential for clear and correct writing. "Its" functions as a possessive adjective, indicating ownership or belonging, much like "his" or "her." For example, you might say, "The dog wagged its tail," where "its" shows that the tail belongs to the dog. On the other hand, "it’s" is a contraction formed from "it is" or "it has." For example, in the sentence "It's a beautiful day," "it’s" is a shortened form of "it is." Similarly, in the phrase "It’s been a long time," "it’s" replaces "it has." This differentiation is crucial for effective communication, as using one in place of the other can lead to confusion in understanding the intended meaning of a sentence. Recognizing these definitions helps avoid common grammatical errors in writing.