It vs that
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The word “it” is a personal pronoun, and the word “that” is a demonstrative pronoun.
So, in the following common example,
I got a new book!
·It’s nice! (It = a new book)
·That’s nice! (That = I got a new book)
However, I noticed that sometimes the word “it” is used when speakers mean the behavior they did, or the content of a preceding sentence. For example,
?
A: Sorry, I bumped into you. I didn’t mean to do it.
B: It’s okay.
?
I can’t do the thing. I know it, but...
?
The man was unconscious on the road. They told us it was because of this scorching heat.
?
A: Where should we hang out today?
B: It’s up to you.
In these examples, can I use “that” instead of “it”? Does the meaning of each sentence get changed if I do?
Top answer
Littleshiro “that” instead of “it” You can make that substitution in examples 1 and 4. You can also do that in 3, but the version with 'that' doesn't seem as natural. Example 2 seems a bit anomalous.
- Littleshiro “that” instead of “it” You can make that substitution in examples 1 and 4.
- You can also do that in 3, but the version with 'that' doesn't seem as natural.
- Example 2 seems a bit anomalous.
- If 'it' means 'the thing', then you have to keep 'it'.
- CJ
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Littleshiro“that” instead of “it”
You can make that substitution in examples 1 and 4.
You can also do that in 3, but the version with 'that' doesn't seem as natural.
Example 2 seems a bit anomalous. If 'it' means 'the thing', then you have to keep 'it'.
CJ
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