The most common mistake in the English language has got to be the mass confusion over when to use the contraction it’s (it’s ok to be confused) and when to use the possessive its (its challenge is that the rule is not logical). Spell check and AI are notoriously bad at catching this misuse, and I have spotted this mistake at every level of writing ability. So buckle down and learn the simplest way to spot it yourself. The apostrophe is used when it’s is a contraction, which means two words are merged into one. So, it is becomes it’s. There is no apostrophe when its is used as a possessive, which means possession of the word that follows it. Other possessives have apostrophes! So confusing. The best way to remember the rule is to always try to “open up” the contraction when you see an apostrophe in its. That car has it’s wheels turned on the uphill. Try it: That car has it is wheels turned on the uphill. Incorrect use.
For a quick tutorial, visit http://www.youtube.com
