It vs. That

Attribute	It	That
Definition	Refers to something previously mentioned or easily identified	Refers to something further away or less easily identified
Proximity	Close to the speaker or the subject being discussed	Further away from the speaker or the subject being discussed
Specificity	Used for something specific or known	Used for something less specific or unknown
Usage	Used as a subject or object in a sentence	Used as a subject or object in a sentence
Grammatical Gender	Neutral	Neutral
Plurality	Can be used for both singular and plural nouns	Can be used for both singular and plural nouns
Distance	Close or nearby	Further or more distant

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, two commonly used words that often cause confusion are "it" and "that." While both words serve different purposes and have distinct attributes, understanding their differences is crucial for effective communication. In this article, we will explore the various attributes of "it" and "that" to shed light on their usage and clarify any misconceptions.

Usage and Function

Firstly, let's delve into the usage and function of "it." "It" is a pronoun that is used to refer to an object, animal, or concept that has already been mentioned or is easily understood from the context. For example, in the sentence "The cat is sleeping. It looks adorable," "it" refers to the cat. "It" can also be used as a placeholder subject when the actual subject is unknown or irrelevant, as in "It is raining."

On the other hand, "that" is a demonstrative pronoun or adjective that points to a specific person, thing, or idea. It is used to indicate something that is farther away in distance or time, or to draw attention to a particular object or concept. For instance, in the sentence "That book on the shelf is mine," "that" is used as a demonstrative adjective to specify which book is being referred to. In contrast, in the sentence "I want that," "that" is used as a demonstrative pronoun to indicate a desired object.

Grammatical Roles

Now, let's explore the grammatical roles of "it" and "that." "It" can function as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As a subject, "it" is used to introduce a sentence or represent a non-specific object or concept. For example, "It is important to exercise regularly." As an object, "it" can receive the action of a verb or serve as the object of a preposition, such as in "I saw it" or "I am thinking about it." Additionally, "it" can function as a complement, providing additional information about the subject or object, as in "I find it fascinating."

Similarly, "that" can also serve various grammatical roles. As a pronoun, "that" can function as a subject, object, or complement. For instance, in the sentence "That is my car," "that" acts as the subject. As an object, "that" can receive the action of a verb or serve as the object of a preposition, as in "I want that" or "I am looking at that." Furthermore, "that" can function as a complement, providing additional information about the subject or object, as in "I find that interesting."

Distance and Specificity

One key distinction between "it" and "that" lies in their indication of distance and specificity. "It" is generally used to refer to something that is closer in proximity or has already been mentioned, making it less specific. On the other hand, "that" is often employed to refer to something that is farther away or to emphasize a particular object or concept, thus conveying a higher level of specificity. For example, in the sentence "I want that car," the use of "that" implies a specific car that is being pointed out or discussed.

Idiomatic Expressions

Both "it" and "that" are integral components of numerous idiomatic expressions in the English language. These expressions often have figurative meanings that cannot be deduced from the individual words themselves. For instance, the phrase "it's raining cats and dogs" means that it is raining heavily, while "that's a piece of cake" implies that something is very easy. These idiomatic expressions highlight the versatility and richness of the English language, showcasing how "it" and "that" can be used creatively to convey specific meanings beyond their literal interpretations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "it" and "that" may seem like simple words, they possess distinct attributes that contribute to their unique usage and function in the English language. "It" serves as a pronoun that refers to an object or concept, while "that" functions as a demonstrative pronoun or adjective that points to a specific person, thing, or idea. Understanding the grammatical roles, distance and specificity indications, and idiomatic expressions associated with "it" and "that" is essential for effective communication. By mastering the nuances of these words, we can enhance our language skills and express ourselves more precisely.