When is it okay to use it's or its?

Question

please explain below why the "its" is used incorrectly. I'm confused, I thought the "its" in this sentence is used correctly.


The quality of the vitamins is determined by th duration of its potency.

Answer 1

It IS correctly used. "It's" is the contraction for "it is." Like, it couldn't make sense: The quality of the vitamins is determined by the duration of IT IS potency! What lame brain told you it was wrong? Bomp 'em.

Answer 2

First of all, good for you for asking...most people bumble through life unaware (or not caring) about the fact that their writing contains numerous grammatical errors. In your sentence, you DID use "its" correctly.
"Its" is used to show possession of something. For instance:
My dog broke its leash.
Its teeth are falling out.
I can't find its food.

"It's" literally means "It is."
It's raining outside. (It is raining outside)
If I brush my teeth, it's not going to be scary when I go to the dentist. (If I brush my teeth, it is not going to be scary when I go to the dentist)
Hope this helps!

Answer 3

it is used correctly in the below sentence.

The ONLY TIME you use an apostrophe in it's is when it is (it's) a contraction.

If it is (it's) a possesive, you don't. An easy way to remember this is to think of hers. There is no apostrophe there, either

Answer 4

That's correct. "Its" is like "his" or "hers". There's no need for an apostrophe.

You only want the apostrophe to put "it" and "is" together.
Easy to remember, once you know.

Answer 5

Your sentence is correct.

" its " is possessive, as in 'its potency'.

" it's " is short for 'it is', as in 'I think it's raining'.
It can also be short for 'it has', as in 'I think it's been raining'.
.

Answer 6

If you can say "it is" then use it's.

It's going to be a great day. (It is going to be a great day)

Answer 7

it's means it is