He vs. It

Attribute	He	It
Gender	Male	Neutral
Personification	Personal pronoun	Impersonal pronoun
Usage	Refers to a male person or animal	Refers to a non-specific object or thing
Subject pronoun	Used for male subjects	Used for non-specific subjects

Introduction

When it comes to referring to objects or people, the English language provides us with two common pronouns: "he" and "it." While both pronouns serve the purpose of replacing a noun in a sentence, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between "he" and "it" in terms of usage, gender, and personification.

Usage

The pronoun "he" is typically used to refer to a male person or animal. For example, if we were talking about a man named John, we would say, "He is going to the store." On the other hand, the pronoun "it" is used to refer to inanimate objects, animals of unknown gender, or concepts. For instance, if we were talking about a book, we would say, "It is on the table."

Gender

One of the key differences between "he" and "it" is the implication of gender. "He" is inherently masculine and is used to refer to male entities. This pronoun carries a sense of identity and personhood. In contrast, "it" is gender-neutral and does not imply any specific gender. This pronoun is often used for objects or animals that do not have a gender or when the gender is unknown or irrelevant to the context.

Personification

Another important distinction between "he" and "it" is the level of personification they convey. When we use the pronoun "he," we are attributing human-like qualities to the entity being referred to. This can create a sense of familiarity and connection. On the other hand, when we use the pronoun "it," we are treating the entity as an object or a non-personal entity. This can create a sense of detachment or impersonality.

Examples

Let's look at some examples to further illustrate the differences between "he" and "it":

• "He" example: "The dog wagged his tail happily."
• "It" example: "The computer is running slowly."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pronouns "he" and "it" serve different purposes in the English language. "He" is used to refer to male entities and carries a sense of gender and personification. On the other hand, "it" is gender-neutral and is often used for inanimate objects or animals of unknown gender. Understanding the distinctions between these pronouns can help us communicate more effectively and accurately in our writing and speech.