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Eponymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
"It" vs "That/This"
My girlfriend who is learning English recently asked me about the difference between "it" and "that/this". Their respective usage is natural for a native English speaker, but explaining when to use which is surprisingly difficult!
So, what is the difference between them? Is there a universal rule I can explain to her?
Is it simply that you're referring to a specific thing when saying "that/this" and not necessarily with "it"? I'm not sure what to tell her! And I guess this is a common conundrum among people learning English.
Any help would be appreciated. : )
So, what is the difference between them? Is there a universal rule I can explain to her?
Is it simply that you're referring to a specific thing when saying "that/this" and not necessarily with "it"? I'm not sure what to tell her! And I guess this is a common conundrum among people learning English.
Any help would be appreciated. : )
Top answer
Hi, Here are a few simple examples for you to consider, to begin with. It is a brick. This does not tell us where the brick is.
- Hi, Here are a few simple examples for you to consider, to begin with.
- It is a brick.
- This does not tell us where the brick is.
- This is a brick .
- The speaker can see the brick.
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1 Answers
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Hi,
Here are a few simple examples for you to consider, to begin with.
It is a brick. This does not tell us where the brick is.
This is a brick. The speaker can see the brick. It is close to the speaker.
Here are a few simple examples for you to consider, to begin with.
It is a brick. This does not tell us where the brick is.
This is a brick. The speaker can see the brick. It is close to the speaker.
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