ITS

Definition

1. Possessive Determiner (Tính từ sở hữu):

   • Belonging to or associated with a thing, animal, or entity previously mentioned or easily identified: "its" indicates possession by a non-human or non-personal subject. It is the possessive form of "it."
   • Note: Unlike "it's" (a contraction of "it is" or "it has"), "its" has no apostrophe.

2. Possessive Pronoun (Đại từ sở hữu):

   • The thing or things belonging to or associated with a non-human or non-personal entity: "its" can function as a possessive pronoun, though this usage is rare and typically occurs in formal or literary contexts (e.g., "its own" or "its rights"). More commonly, "its" is used as a determiner before a noun.

Usage Examples

• As a Possessive Determiner:

  • The dog wagged its tail. (The tail belongs to the dog.)
  • The company has revised its policy. (The policy belongs to the company.)
  • The tree lost its leaves in autumn. (The leaves belong to the tree.)

• As a Possessive Pronoun (rare):

  • The house has its own garden, and the apartment has its as well. (Here, "its" stands for "its own garden," but this structure is awkward; "its own" is more natural.)
  • Each country must protect its citizens; that is its duty. (Here, "its" refers to "the duty of each country.")

Advanced Usage

• "its own": A common phrase emphasizing exclusive possession or self-sufficiency.

  • This species has its own unique habitat. (The habitat is exclusive to that species.)
  • The device runs on its own battery. (The battery is built into the device.)

• "in its own right": By virtue of its own qualities, not due to association with something else.

  • The small town is famous in its own right for its art galleries. (It is famous for its own merits, not because of a larger city.)

• "itself": A reflexive or emphatic form derived from "its."

  • The machine repaired itself. (Reflexive: the machine performed the action on itself.)
  • The idea itself is brilliant. (Emphatic: the idea, not its context, is brilliant.)

Variants and Related Words

• It (pronoun): The subject/object form referring to a non-human or non-personal entity.

  • It is raining outside. (The weather.)

• Itself (reflexive/emphatic pronoun): Referring to the same non-human subject.

  • The cat cleaned itself. (The cat performed the action on itself.)

• It's (contraction): Not a variant of "its" but commonly confused; means "it is" or "it has."

  • It's a beautiful day. (It is a beautiful day.)
  • It's been a long time. (It has been a long time.)

Synonyms

• Of it: A periphrastic possessive form, more formal or literary.

  • The color of it is red. (Instead of "its color is red.")

• Belonging to it: A descriptive phrase replacing "its."

  • The sound belonging to it was loud. (Instead of "its sound.")

Related Idioms

• "have its day": To enjoy a period of success or popularity.

  • The old technology had its day before being replaced. (It was once popular.)

• "on its last legs": About to fail or collapse; very worn out.

  • This old car is on its last legs. (It is nearly broken down.)

• "in its element": In a situation where one is comfortable and performs well.

  • The dolphin is in its element in the ocean. (It thrives in water.)