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Newguest Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

This/It

Hi

Is there any difference if I say: It is a ... AND This is a ...

Isn't there a rule which says that we use "It is" for more abstract things (It's fear), and "This is" for something which is close to us (This is a car)?

Thanks
  

Top answer

It depends more on whether the subject is present.

— Mister Micawber

  • It depends more on whether the subject is present.
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3 Answers
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It depends more on whether the subject is present.
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Mister MicawberIt depends more on whether the subject is present.


So for example the thought is not present physically and we would rather say: It's just a thought rather than This is just a thought.
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Not necessarily. If you have just stated, or go on to state, the thought, then it is present and 'this' would be the natural word choice.
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