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1/20/11

It's it's ...

What seems to be the most common grammatical - and spelling - error in the written/printed English language TODAY?
Answer: It is it is.  Haha...are you confused? Ok, here:  It’s “it’s”  or  It is “it’s”.

“it’s” (with the apostrophe) is a contraction for “it is” or “it has”
“its” (without the apostrophe) is a possessive pronoun.

The error/mistake is made when using the contraction form in place of the possessive pronoun.

I see it everywhere. It’s made by college students and graduates, professional writers, online newspapers, major television networks and even government leaders.  Here’s a sample from one Pacific PM’s speech:

“The year 2010 with it’s misfortunes and hardships ....”
“Government as part of it’s ongoing development plans ....”
“...Government in it’s development programme for the entire nation....”

Hey PM, rewrite using “its” ....

Now here’s the real killer -  Which one is correct?

Whatever it’s worth?  Or  Whatever its worth?

MY answer:  Both are and CAN be correct!

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