difference between it and this.

Question

While seeing a picture of an apple we can say This is an apple or we can say It is an apple. Then what is the difference between the two?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

This is an interesting question, something that native speakers like myself never think about. Having grown up with the language I've always used them unthinkingly - and always thought them to be completely different - but now that you mention it, I too am puzzled by the difference between this and it. I've never noticed before how similar they are in usage. Maybe a way to see the difference is to list situations where only one can be used. For example:

A: This is Jim. He's my next door neighbor. (It cannot be used here.)
B: Nice meeting you, Jim.

A: Don't you know that guy over there?
B: Yes. It's Jim, my next door neighbor. (This cannot be used here.)

A: It's about time you got here. (This cannot be used here.)
B: Sorry, I got stuck in traffic.

A: Which way now?
B: This way. (It cannot be used here.)

A: Which one is it?
B: This one. (It cannot be used here.)

A: It's a long way to town if you don't have a car. (This cannot be used here.)
B: Can I get a ride with someone then?

A: How do I get to town from here?
B: This is the long way into town. You should have taken the other fork in the road. (It cannot be used here.)

A: Can I get to town by taking this road.
B: Yeah, but it's the long way. Take the other fork, it's faster. (This cannot be used in either sentence.)

difference between it and this.

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