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Adonis1013 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

What is this vs what is it?

Hello
I am a little bit confused about these two dialogue? \Which dialogue is better?
Thank you.

1. T::What is this?
S: This is a pen.
  

Top answer

"This" is demonstrative and "it" is not. Of course you could point with either pronoun to indicate the subject of the question, but in the case of a dialogue, only "this" would imply that some action is taking place to show what is being talked about. " John carefully opened the box and beckoned for Sally to come closer.

— Avangi

  • "This" is demonstrative and "it" is not.
  • Of course you could point with either pronoun to indicate the subject of the question, but in the case of a dialogue, only "this" would imply that some action is taking place to show what is being talked about.
  • " John carefully opened the box and beckoned for Sally to come closer.
  • She tiptoed to the box and peeked in.
  • "What is it," she whispered.
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2 Answers
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"This" is demonstrative and "it" is not. Of course you could point with either pronoun to indicate the subject of the question, but in the case of a dialogue, only "this" would imply that some action is taking place to show what is being talked about.

Of course, there's always "prior context."

John carefully opened the box and beckoned for Sally to come closer. She tiptoed
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Dialogue 1 is best when "T" is holding the pen in his or her hand, and gives the pen to "S" before S answers.
Dialogue 2 is best when the pen is sitting on the table and not moving.
Dialogue 3 (below) is best when the pen is on the table and "T" and "S" are pointing to it as they speak.
T:: What is that?
S:: That is a pen.
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