This/it/that

Question

Howdy,Is there a difference between:a) You can do it.b) You can do that.c) You can do this.Thanks,

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Is there a difference between:

Yes. Begin by considering these very simple scenarios.
a) You can do it. This a neutral sentence as regards distance.
b) You can do that. The speaker points to something that is happening on the other side of the room.
c) You can do this. The speaker points to something that is happening vey near him.

There are also other considerations that do not involve physical distance.

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

anglista2008a) You can do it.
b) You can do that.
c) You can do this.

it: something already referred to in such a way that both speakers understand what it is. it is an unstressed form (or you might say 'neutral' form), so the emphasis is on the doing, not what it is. The contrast is between being able to do it and not being able to do it.

that: like it except that that is stressed, so the emphasis is on the thing the speakers are talking about more than on the doing. The contrast is between being able to do that which was mentioned and being able to do something else.

this: also stressed; this refers to something going on in the current environment which the speakers can see and hear as they speak -- or, very likely, to some act that the listener is about to try to do.

CJ

This/it/that

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