Your CV can lose its professional look because of one small mistake. But “it’s” a mistake you can fix in five minutes. Did you notice both words in that sentence? In my experience teaching students, its and it’s confuse even graduates and job seekers who write confidently in every other area.
By the time you finish this lesson, you will never mix up its and it’s again. I will show you a simple memory trick, real Nigerian examples, and mistakes to avoid in your emails, CVs, and WhatsApp messages.
What Is the Real Difference Between Its and It’s?
Here is the simple rule I teach every student:
Its shows possession. It means “belonging to it.”
It’s is a short form. It means “it is” or “it has.”
Read these two sentences carefully:
The school changed its examination timetable.
It’s important to check your JAMB result today.
Notice the pattern. Its owns something. It’s is simply two words joined together. This mistake is one of the most common English errors Nigerians make, so you are not alone if you struggle with it.
Simple Memory Trick (The Expansion Test)
Here is an easy way to remember it. Whenever you want to use it’s, expand it in your head first.
It’s becomes “it is” or “it has.”
If the sentence still makes sense with “it is” or “it has,” keep the apostrophe.
If it does not make sense, remove the apostrophe and use its instead.
Example: “The company changed it’s logo” becomes “The company changed it is logo.” That sounds wrong, so the correct form is its.
Its vs It’s: Nigerian Examples You Will Recognise
WAEC and NECO Examples
The examination body released its timetable early this year.
It’s advisable to arrive at the exam hall thirty minutes before time.
JAMB Use of English Examples
Many students lose marks because of its and it’s confusion in essay writing.
It’s common for JAMB candidates to mix up simple grammar rules under pressure.
If you want more grammar lessons built around real JAMB questions, our English for exams section has similar practical lessons.
University Assignment Examples
The lecturer graded the assignment based on its structure and content.
It’s necessary to proofread your assignment before submission.
NYSC and Workplace Examples
The organisation reviewed its policy on staff punctuality.
It’s important to greet your colleagues properly during NYSC primary assignment.
I have explained this rule to hundreds of students preparing for job interviews and workplace writing. You can find more lessons like this in our English for jobs and career category.
Email and CV Examples
A CV loses its professional value when small grammar mistakes appear.
It’s better to proofread your CV twice before sending it to a recruiter.
WhatsApp and Everyday Conversation
“The phone lost its battery power” is correct.
“The phone lost it’s battery power” is incorrect.
This small mistake happens often on social media and in casual typing. One simple trick I recommend is reading your message slowly before you send it.
Common Mistakes Nigerian Students Make
Mistake 1: Adding an Apostrophe to Show Possession
Many people believe an apostrophe always shows ownership, but that is not correct here. Most possessive words use an apostrophe, such as “Ada’s book.” But its is different. It never takes an apostrophe when showing possession.
Mistake 2: Forgetting That It’s Is Always a Contraction
Some students use it’s anywhere they see the word “its” without checking the meaning first. Remember, it’s only works when you can expand it into “it is” or “it has.”
Mistake 3: Autocorrect Confusion
Phone keyboards often insert an apostrophe automatically. This mistake is easier to fix than you think, once you build the habit of checking your message before sending it.
Quick Practice Exercise
Choose the correct word for each sentence:
- The company announced _____ (its/it’s) new resumption time.
- _____ (Its/It’s) time to submit your NYSC documents.
- The dog wagged _____ (its/it’s) tail happily.
- _____ (Its/It’s) been a long day at the office.
Answers: 1. its, 2. It’s, 3. its, 4. It’s
Pronunciation Tip
Its and it’s sound exactly the same when spoken, so this mistake rarely shows up in speaking. It mainly appears in writing, which makes proofreading even more important. Focus on reading your sentence back and applying the expansion test before you submit any written work.
How to Use This in Professional Writing
In office communication, its and it’s appear often in reports, emails, and memos. Here is a simple example:
“The department updated its resumption guidelines. It’s expected that all staff comply by Monday.”
Notice how the first sentence shows ownership, and the second sentence is a short form of “it is.” This is the pattern that professional writers follow consistently. For more workplace writing lessons, visit our English skills and communication section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does its ever take an apostrophe?
No. Its never takes an apostrophe when showing possession. This is one exception many people find confusing.
Can it’s mean “it has”?
Yes. For example, “It’s rained all week” means “It has rained all week.”
How do I remember the difference fast?
Use the expansion test above. If “it is” or “it has” fits the sentence, use it’s. If not, use its.
Will this appear in WAEC or JAMB?
Yes. Its and it’s frequently appear in Use of English objective questions and essay marking.
Final Encouragement
Even advanced English speakers sometimes pause before choosing between its and it’s. The goal is communication, not perfection. Practise this every day using your own sentences about school, work, or daily life. Small daily practice brings big improvement.
For more practical English lessons like this one, explore our full library at ExamGuideNG.com. Bookmark this page and return whenever you need a quick grammar refresher. Read the following also:
- Affect vs Effect: Simple Explanation With Examples
- 21-Day English Mastery Plan for Nigerian Students: Speak, Write and Use Grammar Confidently
- English for Nigerian Job Seekers: 101 Career Words and Expressions Every Graduate Should Know
- Nigerian Workplace English: A Practical Guide to Formal Letters, Emails, CV and Reports
- The Complete English Grammar Guide: Rules, Examples and Practice Exercises
- The Ultimate English Speaking Confidence Guide: Speak Fluently Without Fear
- The Complete English Punctuation Guide: Rules, Examples and Practice Exercises
Reference: British Council- LeranEnglish
Written by Tr. Edidiong Sunday
About Author
Edidiong Sunday is an English educator, communication specialist, and the founder of ExamGuideNG. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a B.Ed. in English Education from the University of Uyo, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in English Education. With years of experience teaching English Language, Diction, and Public Speaking in reputable schools in Uyo, she creates practical, accurate, and learner-focused content to help students, job seekers, and professionals improve their English skills. Edidiong also runs a JAMB English tutorial centre in Uyo and has professional experience in journalism, broadcasting, and public speaking. Every article she publishes is guided by a commitment to clarity, accuracy, and helping learners achieve lasting success in academics, examinations, and everyday communication.
