ELA
Confusing its and it's
Adding an apostrophe to the possessive its, writing it's when its is meant.
Quick check
Why students make it
Apostrophes usually signal possession, like Sara's book, so it's looks like the possessive form. With it, that rule is reversed.
The rule done right
"Its" shows possession, the dog wagged its tail. "It's" is only a contraction of it is or it has. If "it is" fits, use the apostrophe.
Related resources
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Common Grammar Mistakes Infographic -
Sentence Types Infographic -
Active vs Passive Voice Infographic - Commonly Confused Words & Homophones Cheat Sheet
- Grammar & Punctuation Cheat Sheet
- Punctuation Rules Master Reference Cheat Sheet
- Parts of Speech Cheat Sheet
- Sentence Structure & Diagramming Cheat Sheet
- Language Arts: Apostrophes: Possession and Contractions Worksheet
- Grammar: Parts of Speech Worksheet
- Language Arts: Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Worksheet
- Writing Complete Sentences Worksheet
- Sight Words Practice Worksheet
- Grammar Patterns Explorer Tool
- Writing Rubric Builder Tool
- Paragraph Organizer Tool
- Grammar Patterns Lab Lab
- Narrative Writing Lab Lab
- Reading Comprehension Lab Lab