Uses of It and Its
Let’s see some of the use cases of ‘it’ and ‘its’.
Uses of It and Its
We use Pronoun ‘it’ or ‘its’ for the following purposes:
Use 1
For non-living things
That was a nice book. It resolved all my doubts.
You expect us to do something about the apocalypse; as if it is true.
Use 2
For animals (but not when we want to speak of them as male and female)
The puppy fell from the staircase and broke its leg.
Use 3
For a young child (but not when we want to refer to the sex)
When I saw the child it was playing in the garden.
Use 4
To refer to some statement that came before.
‘Work is worship’. It is a protestant ethic.
Use 5
As an introductory subject before the verb ‘to be’. In such cases, ‘it’ works as a provisional and temporary subject. The real subject follows later.
It is difficult to find good friends. (to find good friends – this infinitive phrase is the real subject phrase of this sentence)
We can rewrite the above sentence as – To find good friends is difficult.
It is doubtful whether they will teach. (whether they will teach – real subject phrase of this sentence)
We can rewrite the above sentence as – Whether they will teach is doubtful.
It is clear that you are cheating. (that you are cheating – real subject phrase of this sentence)
We can rewrite the above sentence as – That you are cheating is clear.
So, if a sentence starts with ‘it’ followed by any form of ‘be’, then the real subject will follow. This subject can be a noun, noun phrase or a pronoun, and it must be in ‘subjective case’.
It is me who am to blame. (incorrect; me - Objective case)
It is I who am to blame. (correct; I - Subjective case)
Use 6
As an impersonal pronoun.
It happens.
It thunders.
It bites.
In the above sentences, the pronoun ‘it’ seems to stand for no noun. But the noun it stands for can be supplied by the verb and the context. For example, ‘It bites’ may mean ‘The dog bites.’
When we use ‘It’ in such a manner, it is called an Impersonal Pronoun. And the verb (e.g. happens, thunders, bites etc.) is called an Impersonal Verb.
Use 7
We sometimes use ‘It’ as a subject to put emphasis on the noun or pronoun following it.
It was she who ditched me. (‘It’ putting emphasis on ‘she’)
It was at Copenhagen that the climate treaty was signed. (‘It’ putting emphasis on ‘Copenhagen’)
Its vs. It’s
Its: Possessive form of ‘it’. To be more precise, it is a possessive adjective. We use it to show possession/relation.
It’s: Abbreviated form of ‘It + be’, i.e. It is / It was / It has
It’s beauty beggars description. (incorrect)
Its beauty beggars description. (correct)
Its a long way to the castle. (incorrect)
It’s a long way to the castle. (correct)
It and They/Them
The plural forms of ‘it’ are:
- They (in subjective case)
- Them (in objective case)
Sri Lanka is a developing country. It is facing the issue of terrorism.
Sri Lanka and India are developing countries. They are facing the issue of terrorism.
Shailey bought a few books and put it in her bag. (incorrect)
Shailey bought a few books and put them in her bag. (correct; them - plural pronoun)
I do have some sugar but I can’t give them to you. (incorrect)
I do have some sugar but I can’t give it to you. (correct; it - singular pronoun)
‘Their’ is the plural of ‘Its’.
Your dog seems to be in pain. I guess, its leg has been broken by someone.
Your dogs seem to be in pain. I guess, their legs have been broken by someone.
This vs. It
Now, let us have a look at a few differences between ‘This’ and ‘It’.
Difference 1
We use ‘This’ (instead of ‘It’):
to point towards a singular person or thing placed at a near distance.
This is an amoeba.for the introduction of a person.
This is Anand, my cousin.
Difference 2
‘It’ denotes distance/time/weather etc. We do not use ‘this’ for such purposes.
It is 9 a.m.
It is noon here in Delhi.
It is spring.
Extra Books and Tools
If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.