Etymology

Probably by analogy with possessives ending in . There is no apostrophe, by analogy with , , , etc. and to distinguish the pronoun from the contraction . Note that the corresponding Old English and Middle English genitive form is .

Pronoun

its

1. is extremely rare as a pronoun, the pronoun being very rarely stressed. Moreover, there is very rarely need for as a possessive pronoun.

   The mind has its reasons and the heart has its.

Adjective

1. Belonging to it (used as a possessive adjective).

   This jar has a lid; this is its lid.

Usage notes

is the possessive form of . therefore does not require an apostrophe to indicate possession as it is already a possessive term, similar to and . is a contraction of "it is" or "it has."

• "It's going to rain" is equivalent to "it is going to rain." can function as a possessive pronoun and a possessive adjective. Its form is the same when used in either case. However, is extremely rare as a pronoun.