its
its
Pronunciation
Its
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ɪts/
Syllable 1: /ɪts/
/ɪ/ as in "sit" (short high front unrounded vowel)
/t/ as in "top" (voiceless alveolar stop)
/s/ as in "hiss" (voiceless alveolar fricative)
Word Form Variations
Its" is a possessive determiner or a possessive pronoun, derived from the pronoun "it." It does not have singular/plural variations itself, as it already indicates possession related to a singular "it."
Possessive Determiner: its (no variations)
Possessive Pronoun: its (no variations)
(Note: "It's" with an apostrophe is a contraction of "it is" or "it has" and is distinct from "its" (possessive).)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Possessive Determiner
Belonging to or associated with a non-human entity, inanimate object, or abstract concept previously mentioned or implied. This form functions like an adjective, modifying a noun.
Examples of use: "The tree lost its leaves." "The company announced its new policy."
Synonyms: (No direct synonyms for a possessive determiner. Can be rephrased using "of it," e.g., "the leaves of the tree.")
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it's a possessive; contrasts with possessives for other pronouns like "his," "her," "their.")
Possessive Pronoun
Referring to something belonging to or associated with a non-human entity, inanimate object, or abstract concept, where the noun being possessed is implied rather than explicitly stated. This form stands alone.
Examples of use: "The book is good, but the movie is even better; I prefer its to the book's." (Less common usage, usually requiring strong prior context) "The car's engine is powerful, but its fuel efficiency is poor."
Synonyms: (No direct synonyms for a possessive pronoun. Can be rephrased using "that which belongs to it.")
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; contrasts with possessive pronouns for other pronouns like "his," "hers," "theirs.")
Examples of Use
Books:
"The old house settled on its foundations, groaning with every gust of wind." (From a fictional novel, generic example)
"Each species has its unique role within the delicate ecosystem." (From a science textbook, generic example)
"The company found its true purpose in sustainable innovation." (From a business non-fiction book, generic example)
Newspapers:
"The city unveiled its new downtown revitalization project yesterday." (From a local news report, generic example)
"The stock market saw its biggest gain in a decade, fueled by positive economic indicators." (From a financial news section, generic example)
"The new museum boasts a collection notable for its diversity and historical depth." (From an arts and culture review, generic example)
Online Publications:
"Google announced its latest advancements in AI technology at the developer conference." (From a tech news site, e.g., TechCrunch)
"The popular online game released its highly anticipated new update this week." (From a gaming news website, e.g., IGN.com)
"This article examines the impact of social media on society and its long-term effects on mental health." (From a health and wellness publication, e.g., Psychology Today Online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "The spaceship drifted silently through space, a dark behemoth with its engines extinguished." (Narration from a sci-fi film, generic example, e.g., 2001: A Space Odyssey)
Television Series: "Every kingdom has its secrets, and this one is no exception." (Dialogue from a fantasy drama, generic example, e.g., Game of Thrones)
Music (Song Lyrics): "The sun will shine on its own way." (From "Let it Be" by The Beatles, referring to nature's course)
Video Games: "The ancient artifact hummed with its hidden power, waiting to be unleashed." (In-game description or lore, e.g., The Legend of Zelda)
Podcasts: "The podcast discusses the history of the podcast medium and its rapid rise in popularity." (From a media industry podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"The dog wagged its tail happily." (Common observation)
"The company is expanding its operations overseas." (Common business news)
"The weather changed its mind; it's sunny now." (Common casual observation, personifying weather)
"That's a beautiful house; I love its unique architecture." (Common compliment)
"The tree lost all its leaves in the autumn storm." (Common seasonal observation)
10 Famous Quotes Using Its
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." — Mahatma Gandhi
"A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body." — Benjamin Franklin (emphasizing a house and its function)
"Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new." — Henry David Thoreau (often quoted as commentary on society and its cycles)
"Art is the most beautiful of all lies; it reflects life, not in its actualities, but in its ideals." — Leo Tolstoy
"America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, her greatness will cease." — Often attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville (paraphrased to emphasize its moral foundation)
"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." — Albert Einstein (often elaborated with respect to each discipline and its limits)
"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it isn’t open." — Frank Zappa (referring to its function and utility)
"The Earth has music for those who listen." — William Shakespeare (commonly cited with additions about its harmony and rhythm)
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." — Dwight D. Eisenhower
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." — Franklin D. Roosevelt (often quoted in full or part, especially its warning about its effects)
Etymology
The word "its" is a relatively newer addition to the English language compared to other pronouns, and its story is a good example of how language changes over time.
It comes directly from the pronoun "it" combined with the possessive ending "-s." This "-s" is the same ending we use to show possession with nouns (like "the dog's bone" or "Sarah's book").
Here's the interesting part:
In Old English and even through much of Middle English, the possessive form for "it" (when referring to something without a clear gender, like an object) was actually "his." So, people might have said "The tree lost his leaves." This sounds odd to us now because "his" became strongly associated only with male humans.
As English evolved, and "his" became exclusively masculine, there was a need for a neutral possessive pronoun. Around the late 16th century (specifically, first recorded in 1577), the form "its" started to emerge. Initially, it was often written with an apostrophe ("it's"), just like possessive nouns. However, unlike nouns, personal pronouns (like "his," "hers," "yours," "theirs") generally don't use an apostrophe for their possessive forms.
So, over the 17th and 18th centuries, the form without the apostrophe, "its," became the standard for the possessive, distinguishing it from the contraction "it's" (meaning "it is" or "it has").
Therefore, the first known use and meaning of "its" was "belonging to it" or "of it," specifically as the possessive form for the neutral pronoun.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Its
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "its," supplemented as needed:
Its own reward: Something good that is inherently satisfying, even without external recognition.
Its heyday: The period of a thing's greatest success, popularity, or power.
Its natural habitat: The environment where an animal or plant normally lives.
Its true colors: A person or thing's real character or nature, often revealed unexpectedly.
Its fair share: A reasonable or proportionate amount.
Its very nature: The inherent, fundamental characteristic of something.
To its credit: Acknowledging a positive aspect or achievement of something or someone.
At its core: Referring to the fundamental or essential nature of something.
To each his own: Everyone has their own preferences. (Similar possessive idea, but for people)
The essence of the matter: The fundamental nature of the issue. (Synonymous for "its essence")
The heart of the problem: The central and most important aspect of an issue. (Synonymous for "its heart")
By its design: Inherently built or intended to be a certain way. (Original phrase)
Through its lens: From its particular perspective or viewpoint. (Original phrase, metaphorical)
Holding its ground: Maintaining a position or stance against opposition. (Refers to a thing's tenacity)
Running its course: Developing and ending naturally. (Describes an event or process)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of its from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
