Were/We’re
Were is past tense of “are”.
We’re is a contraction of we are.
Example:
We were already happy with WA before the changes.
We’rereally going to enjoy the new features. (we are)
Its/It’s
Its is possessive or belonging to it.
It’s is a contraction of it is or it has.
Example:
My computer doesn’t work because its hard drive crashed. (possessive)
It’s time to finish this long lesson. (it is)
It’s been great working with all of you. (it has)
Remember: if in doubt, when using contractions, put the whole phrase in your sentence and see if it makes sense.
Uncontract the words. If you want to say “It’s nice out” (or any other contraction) see if “It is nice out” sounds ok. If it does, you’re good to use the apostrohe.
Join the Discussion
Write something…
RaeAnnePond
Premium
Thanks Debbi! Even as a native English speaker some of those still get me, particularly the to and too. That's much clearer now. Thanks very much!
BrooklynPhil
Premium
Debbi, those I got right, but I sometimes have to think twice about 'then' and 'than'.
Luckily I had Grammarly before Howard suggested.
The funny thing is Grammarly thinks 'than' might be incorrect.
Luckily I had Grammarly before Howard suggested.
The funny thing is Grammarly thinks 'than' might be incorrect.
HowardJaros
Premium
For those who just can't remember these issues, there is a free app called Grammarly that can run in your Web browser and help out those of us at WA. Nice post!!