its
すでに話題に出た物や動物に関連するもの、またはそれらの性質を指します。
The word 'its' shows ownership for things, while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is'.
30秒でわかる単語
- Used to show possession for objects, animals, or ideas.
- Always placed directly before the noun it modifies.
- Never contains an apostrophe when used as a possessive.
Summary
The word 'its' shows ownership for things, while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is'.
- Used to show possession for objects, animals, or ideas.
- Always placed directly before the noun it modifies.
- Never contains an apostrophe when used as a possessive.
The Substitution Test for Accuracy
If you are unsure which to use, try expanding the word to 'it is.' If the sentence sounds correct, you need the apostrophe; otherwise, stick to 'its'.
Avoid the Apostrophe Trap
Many native speakers mistakenly add an apostrophe to 'its' because they associate apostrophes with possession. Remember that 'its' is a special pronoun like 'his' or 'ours' and does not take an apostrophe.
Gender Neutrality in English
Using 'its' allows English speakers to remain neutral when discussing objects or animals whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. This is a standard feature of modern, professional English.
例文
2 / 2The company announced its new strategy.
The bird built its nest in the tree.
語族
覚え方のコツ
Think of 'its' as being just like 'his'. Since 'his' has no apostrophe, 'its' shouldn't have one either!
Overview
'Its' is the possessive form of the pronoun 'it'. Unlike personal pronouns that refer to people, 'its' serves as a neutral possessive, connecting a noun to an inanimate object, a concept, or an animal. It is essential for clarity in English, allowing speakers to describe attributes without repeating the noun.
Usage Patterns
'Its' is always placed directly before the noun it modifies. For example, in 'The cat licked its paw,' 'its' modifies 'paw.' It is never followed by an apostrophe. If you see 'it's' with an apostrophe, that is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has,' not a possessive.
Common Contexts
You will encounter 'its' frequently in descriptive writing, scientific reports, and everyday conversation. It is used to describe parts of objects ('The car lost its wheel'), characteristics of organizations ('The company updated its policy'), or traits of animals ('The dog wagged its tail').
Similar Words Comparison
The most common confusion is between 'its' and 'it's.' While 'its' indicates possession (like 'his' or 'her'), 'it's' is a contraction. Another related word is 'their,' which is the plural possessive. Understanding that 'its' is singular and neutral is the key to mastering this word.
使い方のコツ
The word 'its' is neutral and objective. It is used in both formal and informal registers. Always ensure it precedes a noun to function correctly as a determiner.
よくある間違い
The most frequent error is writing 'its' with an apostrophe. Another mistake is using 'its' when referring to a person. Always double-check that you are not accidentally writing a contraction.
覚え方のコツ
Think of 'its' as being just like 'his'. Since 'his' has no apostrophe, 'its' shouldn't have one either!
語源
Derived from the Old English 'hit', the genitive form 'his' was used for both masculine and neuter nouns. The form 'its' emerged in the late 16th century to distinguish the neuter possessive.
文化的な背景
In English, 'its' is the primary tool for personification or referring to entities. It is essential for maintaining a professional, neutral tone in academic and business writing.
例文
The company announced its new strategy.
everydayThe bird built its nest in the tree.
formal語族
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
at its best
よく混同される語
It's is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has.' It represents a subject and a verb, whereas 'its' represents possession.
文法パターン
The Substitution Test for Accuracy
If you are unsure which to use, try expanding the word to 'it is.' If the sentence sounds correct, you need the apostrophe; otherwise, stick to 'its'.
Avoid the Apostrophe Trap
Many native speakers mistakenly add an apostrophe to 'its' because they associate apostrophes with possession. Remember that 'its' is a special pronoun like 'his' or 'ours' and does not take an apostrophe.
Gender Neutrality in English
Using 'its' allows English speakers to remain neutral when discussing objects or animals whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. This is a standard feature of modern, professional English.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct form for the blank.
The tree lost all of ___ leaves in the winter.
We need the possessive determiner to show the leaves belong to the tree.
スコア： /1
よくある質問
3 問No, 'its' without an apostrophe is always the possessive form. If you add an apostrophe, you are creating the contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.
Generally, no. We use 'his' or 'her' for people. 'Its' is reserved for inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts.
Try replacing the word with 'it is.' If the sentence still makes sense, use 'it's.' If it does not make sense, use the possessive 'its'.
文脈で学ぶ
関連語彙
generalの関連語
about
A1'about'は、何かの話題について話すときや、おおよその量を表すときに使います。
above
A2何かの真上にある、より高い位置を示します。
accident
A2予期せず起こる悪い出来事で、損害や怪我につながることがあるものです。
action
A2目標を達成するために何かを実際に行うことだよ。
after
A2'after'は、時間的または場所的に、何かの後であることを意味します。
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2'again'は、何かがもう一度起こる、繰り返されることを意味します。
aged
B1ある特定の年齢であること。人や物の年齢を表す時に使うよ。
alive
A2死んでおらず、生命活動をしている状態。
all
A2'all'は、物事の全体や、一つ残らずすべてを指します。
