its
gb/ˈɪts/ us/ˈɪts/
A1
English
~ 100
-a/-e/-ja/-je
A1
1
Usage pattern:
[its] + [noun]
The cat licked its paw.
A macska megnyalta a mancsát.
The company changed its logo last year.
A cég tavaly megváltoztatta a logóját.
Every country has its own traditions.
The phone lost its signal in the tunnel.
The tree shed its leaves in autumn.
Learner examples
The dog is eating its food.
A kutya az ételét eszi.
This book has its cover torn.
Ennek a könyvnek szakadt a borítója.
The bird is building its nest.
The car is in its parking space.
The computer has its screen turned off.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'its' (possessive) with 'it's' (contraction of 'it is'). Remember: 'its' never has an apostrophe when showing possession.
Meaning
referring to something mentioned
Collocations
its own
|its kind
|its name
|its place
|its way
Synonyms
belonging to it (Paraphrase rather than a single-word synonym; makes the possessive relationship explicit.)
Antonyms
his (Shows possession by a male person instead of a thing or animal.)
|
her (Shows possession by a female person instead of a thing or animal.)
Themes
grammar
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Definition
Used to show that something belongs to or is connected with a thing, animal, or idea already known.
Used to refer to or indicate a thing, animal, or idea that has already been mentioned or is understood from the context, showing that it belongs to, relates to, or is connected with it.
Grammar
Dictionary form
its
IPA
GB/ˈɪts/
US/ˈɪts/
Syllables & stress
its (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (its)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: its
- Plural: itses
Word family
Expressions
hold its own
1/hˈoʊld ˈɪts ˈoʊn/
fixed phrase
compete successfully
To do well when compared with others, especially in a difficult situation.
Examples
- The small team held its own against larger opponents.
- Our company can hold its own in the market.
in its own right
1/ˈɪn ˈɪts ˈoʊn ɹˈaɪt/
fixed phrase
having value independently
Used to say that something has value, importance, or quality by itself, not because of its connection to something else.
Examples
- She is a talented artist in her own right.
- The book is a masterpiece in its own right.
meet its end
1/mˈit ˈɪts ˈɛnd/
fixed phrase
come to an end or die
To reach the end of life, existence, or usefulness.
Examples
- The old bridge finally met its end after the storm.
- Every empire eventually meets its end.