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This vs It

How to introduce things vs how to talk about them.

LEARNING GOALS
  • check_circleI can use 'this' to introduce something new or point to it
  • check_circleI can use 'it' to refer to something already mentioned
  • check_circleI can answer the phone correctly using 'this is'
A110 min
menu_book
PART 01

Discover

Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.

David: Hi, Laura! This is my brother, Mark.

Laura: Nice to meet you, Mark. What is this in your hand?

Mark: It is a new video game. I just bought it today.

Laura: Oh, cool! Is it fun?

Mark: I don’t know yet, but it looks amazing.

(Phone rings)

Laura: Hello? This is Laura.

Mom: Hi Laura, is that David with you?

Laura: Yes, he’s here. Do you want to talk to him?

Mom: No, just tell him it is time for dinner.

Laura: Ok, I will.

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PART 02

Learn

Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.

Both this and it can be used to talk about a single thing, but we use them differently. This is for pointing and introducing. It is for continuing the conversation.

This: Pointing and Introducing

We use this when we want to point to something near us, or when we are showing something to someone for the first time.

  • Look at this! (pointing at something in your hand)
  • This is my new phone. (introducing the phone)
  • This is my friend, Sarah. (introducing a person)
warningWARNING
When introducing people, do not say: She is my friend, Sarah or It is my friend, Sarah. Always use This is…

On the phone

When answering the phone, English speakers use this and that, not I or you.

  • “Hello, this is John.” (NOT I am John)
  • “Is that Mary?” (NOT Are you Mary?)

It: Continuing the Conversation

Once we have introduced something with this (or a/an), we switch to it for the rest of the conversation. It means “the thing we are already talking about”.

  • This is my new phone. It is very fast, and it takes great photos.
  • A: What’s this?
  • B: It’s a traditional cake.
lightbulbTIP
Think of this as a spotlight turning on. Think of it as keeping the light on the same object.

Quick Reference

boltQUICK REVIEW
  • This: Introducing something new or pointing to it. (This is my new car.)
  • It: Referring to a thing already mentioned. (It is very fast.)
  • People: This is my friend Tom. (NOT He is…)
  • Phone: Hello, this is Alex. (NOT I am Alex)
quiz
PART 03

Practice

Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.

0 / 5 correct
1. Which is the correct way to introduce a friend to your mother?
2. A: What's _____? B: _____ is a gift for you.
3. You answer the phone. What do you say?
4. Look at _____! Is _____ a UFO?
5. I bought a new computer. _____ is very fast.
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PART 04

Use It

Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.

PROMPT
Introduce three objects on your desk using 'this', and then describe each one using 'it'.
0 words
checklistCHECK YOURSELF

Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?