Let me work through this worksheet step by step to determine when to use "its" vs. "it's".
Key Rule:
-
its = possessive (shows ownership, like "his" or "her")
-
it's = contraction of "it is" or "it has"
Let me go through each sentence:
1. "I think ___ going to rain."
- This means "I think IT IS going to rain"
- Answer:
it's
2. "The kitten is cute. I like the stripes on ___ head."
- This shows possession - the stripes belong to the kitten's head
- Answer:
its
3. "Before riding the bike, ___ a good idea to check ___ brakes."
- First blank: "IT IS a good idea" →
it's
- Second blank: The brakes belong to the bike →
its
4. "The car is dirty. ___ time to wash ___ windows."
- First blank: "IT IS time" →
it's
- Second blank: The windows belong to the car →
its
5. "Mrs. Brown says ___ important we read every day."
- This means "IT IS important"
- Answer:
it's
6. "The hockey team won ___ final game."
- The final game belongs to the team
- Answer:
its
7. "___ my birthday today!"
- This means "IT IS my birthday today"
- Answer:
It's
Let me verify each answer one more time:
1. it's (it is) ✓
2. its (possessive) ✓
3. it's (it is), its (possessive) ✓
4. it's (it is), its (possessive) ✓
5. it's (it is) ✓
6. its (possessive) ✓
7. It's (it is) ✓
Final Answer:
1. it's
2. its
3. it's, its
4. it's, its
5. it's
6. its
7. It's
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of vocabulary worksheet for 3rd graders.
