Classic Errors and Helpful Hints

In words such as isn't, I'm, or don't, the apostrophe indicates that one or more letters have been left out.

• It's is the contracted form of 'It is' or 'It has', not the possessive of it. The possessive is its, with no apostrophe. So you should say `It's a lovely day' or `It's been a lovely day', but `The dog is in its kennel'.

• You're is a contraction of 'You are'. The possessive is your. Say `You're my best friend', but `Where is your friend?'