Understand the difference between ‘this’ and ‘it’ in English. Includes clear explanations, examples, and exercises designed for A1-level learners to improve grammar skills.
This vs. It
In English, “this” and “it” are both pronouns, but they are used in different ways. It’s important to know the difference so you can speak and write correctly.
This
People use this to talk about something close to them or to bring up a new idea or thing.
Structure:
- This + noun → to point out something
- This is + noun → to introduce or describe
Examples:
- This is my book. (introducing the book to someone)
- This pen is mine. (the pen is near the speaker)
- I like this song.
Key points about “this”:
- Refers to singular nouns.
- Can mean something that is nearby.
- A lot of the time, people use it to start a new topic in a conversation.
It
It is used to talk about something that has already been said or something that is known.
Examples:
- I bought a new phone. It is very fast.
- The weather is nice today. It is sunny.
- I have a cat. It is very cute.
Key points about “it”:
- Refers to a singular thing, animal, or situation.
- Cannot be used to introduce something new.
- Often appears after the first mention of a noun.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | This | It |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Introduce something new | Refer to something known |
| Distance | Near the speaker | Already mentioned / known |
| Form | Can be used with noun | Usually alone (pronoun) |
| Example | This is my bag. | I like my bag. It is red. |
Examples in Context
- This is my favorite movie. → I am introducing the movie.
- I watched the movie yesterday. It was amazing. → Referring to the movie already mentioned.
- This cake looks delicious. → Pointing to a cake near me.
- I ate the cake. It was delicious. → Talking about the cake I already ate.
Quick Tips for A1 Learners:
- Use this when you point to or introduce something new.
- Use it when talking about something already mentioned.
- This can also show time or ideas: This is my first time here.
- It is very common in everyday conversation to avoid repeating nouns.
It is important to know the difference between it and this in order to communicate clearly every day. This page gives A1–A2 learners simple tips to help them learn both words with confidence. You can find clear explanations and three useful It vs This exercises that will help you improve your accuracy step by step. This page has examples and activities that will help you learn when to use each pronoun correctly, whether you want to improve your grammar for school, work, or everyday conversations.
