It vs that

Can anyone answer this question? Please?

Any guesses?

We had a BBQ on the weekend. It/that was great.

Which should be used, it or that? Why?

When should I use 'it' and when should I use 'that'

I would use "it" without thinking about it. But I believe both are correct. So I really can't say why you would one over the other.

If you said,

We had a BBQ on the weekend.

Thanks Mountainhiker.

That is quite helpful, but I am still in need of some "rules" to govern the usage of 'it' vs 'that' in such cases.

I've thought about it and I can't really come up with any.

Any other thoughts - anyone?

I could be wrong (and probably am), but since "that" is a demonstrative pronoun, wouldn't it be technically incorrect to use it as a subject? I mean, I use it all the time as a subject, but I don't think it's correct. Oh well...

Giving you the kind of rules I go by...I'd probably say "that was great" only if the person was there with you and also experienced it, and it JUST happened w

Thanks Haoglide,

As you have both indicated, 'that' is specific ... 'that' BBQ as opposed perhaps to some other BBQ. So maybe using 'that' with nothing to compare 'that' to would sound strange. Yes?

Could it somehow be related to the concept of the 'empty subject'? If so, can anyone explain this concept further please.

Thanks to all.

"this", "that", "it" at the beginning of a sentence.

"this" and "that" can refer to an entire situation. They are often used when the conversation begins. The people talking know from the situation what "this" or "that" refers to. "this" is used when the situation is happening or is about to happen. "that" is used when the situation has already happened.

You use "that" at

Jim,

I have grasped the idea of 'this/that/it' naturally since I started to learn English. I have never ever read such an elaborated analysis in my life. I should like to say how grateful I am for your detailed explanation. It is very useful for ESL/EFL teachers and learners because you provide excellent examples which ease understanding. This/that/it could be very difficult when it com

Off topic.

it would cost. After he had looked at all the price tags, he thought, "This is going to be expensive!" >


In this example, I'm wondering why you used "it" to refer to "a lot of new clothes"? Should it be 'they'?

Excellent, excellent observation!

Good analyses.

1) It would do no harm to use "they" to refer to "clothes".