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Do you think the second "its" in this sentence is redundant?

Because of its innovativeness and it's effective presentation, Mary's science project received more judges' votes at the exhibit than did Jim's.
Both possessive pronoun "its" refer to Mary's project, so it shouldn't show up twice.

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This is how my book Explains this: The conjunction "and" appropriately links the two noun phrases ("its innovativeness" and "its effective presentation") and the possessive pronoun "its" appropriately refers to Mary's science project.
I just don't understand. Isn't it redundant?

For learning: English
Base language: English
Category: Language

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Keith075
Aug 19, 2012
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This depends on the intent of the writer. Certainly the second instance of "its" could be omitted. Leaving the pronoun there may serve to emphasize the point a little.

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Randy
Aug 19, 2012
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Yes it should! But it should be spelled "its" both times.
"It's" is only a contraction for "it is".
Both the innovativeness and the effective presentation "belong to" Mary's science project. They are "its".

It would be like saying:
"Mary was chosen because of her scientific intelligence and her willingness to participate."
In this case the "scientific intelligence" and the "willingness to participate" belong to Mary. They are "hers".

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raja
Aug 19, 2012
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