its fur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "its fur" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the fur of an animal, indicating possession. Example: "The cat groomed its fur meticulously to keep it clean and shiny."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Comb its fur Show it its litter box so it knows where to go.

WikiHow

To sport with it and lick its fur, no doubt.

The New Yorker

Clean its fur when it gets dirty.

WikiHow

Grooming removes excess and loose fur and redistributes your dog's skin oils into its fur, helping it stay in place.

WikiHow

It may fluff up its fur.

WikiHow

Start petting it in the direction its fur is.

WikiHow

Continue to wipe gently, in the direction of its fur, the way it would lick itself.

WikiHow

Feed it Quaker oats to condition its fur.

WikiHow

maybe have a bath with it in shallow water or brush its fur.

WikiHow

While it is free of clothes, maintain its personal hygiene by giving it a quick wash or brushing its fur.

WikiHow

For example, if your long-haired hamster has gum in its fur, you can simply cut it out.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an animal's fur, use descriptive adjectives to enhance the reader's understanding. For example, "its soft fur" or "its matted fur".

Common error

Avoid confusing "its" (possessive) with "it's" (contraction of "it is" or "it has"). Using "it's fur" is grammatically incorrect when you intend to show possession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its fur" functions as a possessive determiner followed by a noun. It indicates that the fur belongs to a specific entity, typically an animal. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used across various contexts to describe or refer to an animal's coat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "its fur" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate possession of fur by an animal or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While alternatives like "the animal's coat" or "the creature's pelt" exist, "its fur" remains a clear and concise choice for most contexts. Common mistakes involve confusing "its" with "it's", a point to avoid for grammatical precision. The phrase finds usage across various platforms, from Wikipedia to news outlets, highlighting its neutrality and versatility. Its primary function is descriptive, aiding in painting vivid portraits of animals and their characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the animal's hair

Substitutes "fur" with "hair", a more common term.

the animal's coat

Replaces "fur" with "coat", a more general term for animal covering.

its dense coat

Adds the adjective "dense" to describe the fur more specifically.

the creature's pelt

Substitutes "fur" with "pelt", emphasizing the skin and fur together.

its hairy covering

Uses a descriptive phrase instead of the specific term "fur".

the beast's hide

Replaces "fur" with "hide", referring to the animal's skin.

the wool of it

Replaces "fur" with "wool", suitable for animals with woolly coats.

its outer layer

A general term that can apply to any animal's external covering.

the covering on it

A simple and broad way to refer to the animal's fur.

the exterior of it

A very general term, applicable to any surface.

FAQs

How is "its fur" used in a sentence?

You can use "its fur" to describe a characteristic or action related to an animal's fur. For example: "The cat groomed its fur meticulously" or "The dog is shedding "its fur" in the summer".

What's the difference between "its fur" and "it's fur"?

"Its fur" indicates possession, meaning the fur belongs to "it" (an animal). "It's fur" is a grammatical error because "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has" and doesn't show possession.

Are there other ways to refer to an animal's fur besides "its fur"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "the animal's coat", "the creature's pelt", or "the animal's hair" depending on the context and the animal you're describing.

Is "its fur" considered formal or informal language?

"Its fur" is considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is a straightforward and commonly understood way to refer to an animal's fur.