Word(s) of the Day: Its v. It’s v. ‘Tis

Its /its/, determiner: belonging to or associated with an object (previously mentioned) “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” Jacques Yves Cousteau, 1910 – 1997 It’s /its/, contraction of it (pronoun used to refer to a thing or person) and is (third person present singular of the verb to be) “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi, 1913 – 1970 ’Tis /tiz/, literary contraction of it is “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” Thomas Paine, 1737 – 1809