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Seyfihoca Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Who is it?
Hello
why do people use "it" when they say "who is it?" or "It is Mike speaking."?
any answer is welcome.
why do people use "it" when they say "who is it?" or "It is Mike speaking."?
any answer is welcome.
Top answer
Hello Seyfihoca 1. Who is it? This is 'impersonal it': we use 'it' because there is known subject for the sentence.
- Hello Seyfihoca 1.
- Who is it?
- This is 'impersonal it': we use 'it' because there is known subject for the sentence.
- 2.
- It is Mike speaking.
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3 Answers
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Hello Seyfihoca
1. Who is it?
This is 'impersonal it': we use 'it' because there is known subject for the sentence.
2. It is Mike speaking.
Here, 'it is' emphasises the subject: in effect, the subject is stated twice.
MrP
1. Who is it?
This is 'impersonal it': we use 'it' because there is known subject for the sentence.
2. It is Mike speaking.
Here, 'it is' emphasises the subject: in effect, the subject is stated twice.
MrP
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so can we use
"who are you?" or "I am John" instead of these questions?
"who are you?" or "I am John" instead of these questions?
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No, the former is rude and the latter is wierd. On the telephone or the door intercom, these standardized phrases are all but written in stone.
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