The difference between THIS and IT
THIS
Although THIS and IT are both pronouns, the main difference is that THIS is a ‘demonstrative’ pronoun and IT is a ‘personal’ pronoun. If you’re still not sure, then let me explain…
THIS is used to demonstrate a noun that has already been spoken in conversation or used in a sentence.
Here are some examples:
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- I think this will look good on you.
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- This belongs to my mother.
In both of the sentences above, the word ‘this’ could refer to a bag, shoe, house, or any other object that has already been used once in the conversation.
You can also add the noun that you are describing into the sentence, and the word ‘this’ will still have the same meaning, and be used in the same way, as a demonstrative pronoun.
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- I think this dress will look good on you.
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- This necklace belongs to my mother.
IT
The word IT is used as a personal pronoun, it is used as a replacement for objects or things in the same way we use ‘he’ or ‘she’.
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- I just stared at it for a long time.
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- I picked up the old sock and threw it in the bin.
Whether you use IT or THIS depends on if you are looking at something in front of you (demonstrating), or replacing a noun with a pronoun.
Here are some more examples:
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- This homework is too hard for me. (showing your homework to someone/demonstrative)
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- It is too hard for me. (Talking about the homework activity itself/replace the noun with a pronoun)
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- This flower is very beautiful (showing the flower to someone/demonstrative)
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- It is very beautiful (talking about the flower itself/replace the noun with a pronoun)
If you would like to know more about the different types of pronouns, please have a look at this link.
