If you're one of those people who never knows whether to put that apostrophe in the word its, listen up.

First of all, don't feel badly about it. You're not alone. The misuse of its and it's can be seen everywhere-on street signs, in your local newspaper, in company memos, and sometimes even on the classroom blackboard.

For a video explanation, check out Atypical Vlogger on the right.

Otherwise, follow my instructions and once and for all, overcome your confusion over its and it's.

Its (minus the apostrophe) is used to indicate possession. In another words, it indicates that something belongs to it.

Once again, the English language defies logic when it comes to this use of its. Everywhere else in our language, possession means you insert that old apostrophe. If the bone belongs to the dog, you say, the dog's bone. Notice the apostrophe and the "s." But the confounding English language changes the rules for us here.

Here's the correct use of the possessive use of its: The dog has lost its bone. The cat licks its fur. Look! That car is losing its tire!

Remember that it's, with the apostrophe, is a contraction. That means it's shorthand for: it is or it has. Other examples of contractions: you're (you are), I'm (I am), and they're (they are). Got it?

Here's a tip: Separate the word into its parts whenever you're tempted to use it in a sentence and aren't sure whether you're correct. Try these examples: It's a great day. (It is a great day.) I think it's a scary movie. (I think it is a scary movie.)

Every time you write a sentence using it's, try separating the word in your head to see if you've used it correctly. Remember: it's = it is. Practice makes perfect!

If grammar and spelling are not your strengths, get yourself a handy stylebook.

Some recommendations: Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss; The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition, by William Strunk Jr.; and English Grammar for Dummies by Geraldine Woods.

Be sure to check out one of my favorite grammar books, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing, or Grammar Girl's website, which features separate podcasts that explain the fine points of grammar and style.