the difference between it and this/that
https://englishhelponline.me/2017/05/31/the-difference-between-words-it-and-thisthat/
One of the most difficult things to understand for my students is knowing when to use “it”
and when to use “that” (or sometimes “this”).
I have to admit that I found it difficult to explain this
but I think I’ve managed to come up with a few rules about the usage of these pronouns.
First of all, it’s important to note that the pronouns “this” and “that” are stronger in nature than “it”.
They are generally used to emphasize something.
However, it is important to note that something is usually only emphasized once in a space of one
or two sentences.
We use “this” or “that” to emphasize it first and after that we use “it”.
For example:
A: What is this?
B: It‘s a toy for children.
I don’t know what this is used for. Do you think it‘s used in the kitchen?
A: Is that a cat?
B: No, I think it‘s a rabbit.
I can’t understand why you did that. It was a really stupid thing to do.
* 처음에는 대명사 that을 쓰고 두번째 언급시에는 it를 쓰므로 결국 it = that이 됨
We also use “that” to make reference to something a person has just said in the previous sentence or statement.
This can be someone else the speaker is talking to, or it can be the speaker himself or herself.
For example:
A: We should paint our house yellow.
B: I don’t think that is such a good idea.
I think it would be a good idea for you to eat more vegetables. That will help you lose weight.
* 처음 that은 집을 노랑색으로 칠한다는 내용/의견을 대신하고
둘째 that은 야채를 먹는다는 내용/의견을 대신하나
가주어로 쓰인 대명사 it는 진주어인 부정사구를 대신함
We can sometimes use “this” instead of “that” when it’s the same person speaking,
but this will make the explanation seem more intimate.
It is often used when doing some kind of presentation or demonstration.
For example:
You should cut up the onions very finely. This will allow them to cook more quickly.
It’s important to note that it makes a difference if the original noun is an object or an idea.
If it’s an object, we often use “it” as the pronoun.
However, if the original noun is an idea or something non-tangible,
we often use “that” or “this” as the pronoun.
“that” or “this”는 내용/의견이나 비물질에 쓰이고
it는 대상/명사를 대신한다 (가주어/목적 등이나, 강조법에도 쓰임)
For example:
Peter thinks we should get a bigger sign. He says it will help us increase sales. (it=a bigger sign)
Peter thinks we should move to a new location downtown. He says that will help us increase sales. (that=내용)
In the first sentence, the pronoun “it” refers to a physical object, the sign;
however, in the second sentence the pronoun “that” refers to an idea, the plan to move to a new location.
I hope today’s blog entry helps people understand this complex feature of English a little better.