Definition

1. Contraction:
   • Short form of "it is": "it's" is a contraction used in informal writing and speech to combine the pronoun "it" with the verb "is".
   • Short form of "it has": "it's" can also be a contraction for "it has" when "has" is used as an auxiliary verb.

Usage Examples

• As "it is":

  • It's raining outside. (The weather is currently producing rain.)
  • I think it's a good idea. (I believe the idea is good.)

• As "it has":

  • It's been a long day. (The day has been lengthy.)
  • It's got three bedrooms. (The house has three bedrooms.)

Advanced Usage

• "it's + adjective + to + verb": a structure used to express an evaluation or opinion.

  • It's important to arrive on time. (Being punctual is important.)

• "it's + noun + that + clause": a structure used to state a fact or belief.

  • It's a fact that the Earth orbits the Sun. (The Earth's orbit around the Sun is a fact.)

Variants and Related Words

• Its (possessive determiner): belonging to it (without an apostrophe).

  • The cat licked its paw. (The paw belonging to the cat.)

• It (pronoun): used to refer to a thing, animal, or situation previously mentioned.

  • I saw the movie, and it was great. (The movie was great.)

Synonyms

• It is: the full, uncontracted form.
• It has: the full, uncontracted form when used as an auxiliary.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing "it's" with "its": "it's" always means "it is" or "it has", while "its" shows possession.
  • Incorrect: The dog wagged it's tail. (Should be "its" — the tail belongs to the dog.)
  • Correct: It's a beautiful day. (Meaning "it is".)

Related Idioms

• It's all good: an informal phrase meaning everything is fine or acceptable.

  • Don't worry about the mistake; it's all good. (There is no problem.)

• It's a wrap: an expression used to indicate that filming or an activity is finished.

  • We've finished the scene — it's a wrap! (The work is complete.)

• It's not over until it's over: a saying meaning that the outcome is uncertain until the very end.

  • The game is close, but it's not over until it's over. (The result is still unknown.)