It's or its?

These two words are very often confused. A typical mistake is when somebody uses “its” instead of “it’s”, although the opposite often happens, too.

it’s is the short form of it is or it has (been) :

• When you go abroad, it’s a good idea to take a guidebook with you.(… it is a good idea…)
• Don’t worry, it’s been like this for a long time.(… it has been like this…)
• Are you telling me that it’s my fault?(… it is my fault?)
• The box was hidden in an attic during the war and it’s been there until today.(… it has been there…)

Its is a possessive word, just like my or your (something owns something or something belongs to it).

• The car was badly damaged but its driver escaped unhurt.
• The dog went back to its house.
• The house and its garden are a popular tourist attraction.