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Cat desk Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

"It" vs "this" vs "that" when referring to a previous sentence

Are the use of "this" and "that" both grammatical in the sentences? I have checked this site . I think "that" also can be used in the sentences. I want your opinions. Could any native speaker please answer this?

1- Apple is going to release a new operating system. This/that will be a huge step in merging the laptop OS with the iPad and iPhone OS.

2- AppleCar wants to market its auto in the united states first. This/that will allow the product to be tested before introducing it to the international market.

3- Heavy rains and stormy conditions throughout the summer have led to severe shortages in strawberries and other soft fruits. This/that has led to price rises in many supermarkets and shops

I have also checked this site https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/writing/it-this-and-that-in-paragraphs and the site says "We use that in a similar way to this. However, when we use that, we distance ourselves more from the topic or from aspects of the topic" and have also found this sentence there:

  • For many traditional football supporters, it is a problem that so many young girls and women attend football matches these days. That is a sexist attitude of course.

I think this is also possible here. But I still don't understand the rule of using these two words. As I am a non native speaker, it seems to me these two words are interchangeable.

And my grammar book (Practical English Usage, written by Michael Swan) says this and that both can be used to refer things that have just been talked and written about. I have given a photocopy of the page that talks about the usage of this/that and it. I want your opinion, native speakers.

  

Top answer

In my experience, "this" sounds a bit more natural in these sentences. "That" can make just as much sense, but as I read it "this" seemed more fitting. That might work better if it wasn't beginning the new sentence.

— Asergh

  • In my experience, "this" sounds a bit more natural in these sentences.
  • "That" can make just as much sense, but as I read it "this" seemed more fitting.
  • That might work better if it wasn't beginning the new sentence.
  • a new operating system that will...
  • "It" can be used just about anywhere in these examples.
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3 Answers
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In my experience, "this" sounds a bit more natural in these sentences. "That" can make just as much sense, but as I read it "this" seemed more fitting.

That might work better if it wasn't beginning the new sentence. ...a new operating system that will...

"It" can be used just abou

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It's a question of attribution. "That" is appropriated for implied prominence, "This" is used for indefinite qualification . They overlap in use as indirect objects. This is my experience from when to use one are the other.

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cat deskAre the use of "this" and "that" both grammatical in the sentences?

Yes, of course.

I agree with what you quoted regarding the difference.

"This" is more often used when the text continues to add more information about the topic. It pulls the reader in closer to examine the details of whatever 'this' is.

"That" tends more to add

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