Difference between "It's" and "It is"

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Hi,
Can anyone please tell me what is the difference between "It's" and "It is"?[/FONT]

Best Regards,
Mushq

It's is a contraction of it is. English speakers normally use contractions when they speak. :-)

Thanks xecole for your useful reply, can you please tell me further, should I use contractions in reading/writing English or it is not preferred.

no difference, actually. however, it's can mean it has. the meaning of "it's" depends upon the context. if it is "it has" (i mean "it's" = "it has") then the 3rd form of the verb should be used
For eg., it's been mentioned (=it has been mentioned )
it's my mom who wakes me up (= it is my mom who wakes me up)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mushq

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Hi,
Can anyone please tell me what is the difference between "It's" and "It is"?[/font]

Best Regards,
Mushq

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There is no difference in meaning.

It's a red car. means the same as It is a red car.

"It's" is a contraction (short form) for "it is."

On the other hand you have "its" (note there is no apostrophe)

This is the possessive form of the pronoun "it"

The table stands on its four legs.

Using contractions is fine in most situations. However, in very formal situations -- a business letter, for example -- it's usually better not to use too many contractions.

Thank you very much to inscrutable, Naamplao, rewboss for useful replies. :-)