It is/ this is

Question

HelloI have a sentence: 'It's a sandwich' and I need to write it in plural.is 'It is sandwiches' correct to write? I  am a bit confused because I think that 'these are sandwiches' is also possible.Could you explain please what is the difference between 'this' is and 'it is'. When can I say, for example, it is a girl and this is a girl?Thank you!

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I have a sentence: 'It's a sandwich' and I need to write it in plural.

is 'It is sandwiches' correct to write?

Say 'They are sandwiches'.

I am a bit confused because I think that 'these are sandwiches' is also possible.

Could you explain please what is the difference between 'this' is and 'it is'. When can I say, for example, it is a girl and this is a girl?

Here's the basic idea, in simple terms.

It is a sandwich. The sandwich may be close to the speaker, or it may be 1000 miles away.

This is a sandwich. The sandwich is close to the speaker. He can probably point to it.

Singular / plural forms are

it / they

this / these

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

"It" is singular, "is" is singular, and "a" is singular.

You need to find the right plural pronoun. They, those, them, their are possibles.

"These are sandwiches" is correct English but implies presentation and proximity, like maybe you are pointing them out from a group. "Those sandwiches are..." works. Or just drop the pronoun and say something like, "The sandwiches are coming."

People sometimes say things like "It's her," but "it" is neuter, no ***, and is not strictly correct for a male or female. When in doubt stay with he or she.

Also, *** terms are sometimes used with objects that lack ***, like, "she really runs well," in reference to a motor. I would suggest that ESL students stay away from this kind of usage most of the time.

It is/ this is

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