That vs. It – Which is Correct?
“That” and “it” are both correct, but they serve different purposes. Use “it” for a known, definite thing or situation, often already mentioned. Use “that” to identify, point to, or introduce a specific thing, clause, or idea. The surrounding context determines which pronoun sounds natural in a particular sentence.
That or It – Which is Correct?
That and it are both valid words, but they are not interchangeable in every sentence. It usually refers to a specific thing, person, situation, or idea already understood from context. It can also act as a dummy subject in sentences such as “It is raining” or “It seems difficult.”
That usually points to or identifies something. It can function as a demonstrative pronoun, determiner, conjunction, or relative pronoun. For example, “That is my bag” points to a particular bag, while “I know that you are busy” introduces a clause.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the pointing test: if you could point at something and say “that,” use that to identify or distinguish it. Use it when the listener already knows exactly what you mean and you are simply referring back to it.
Another useful test is to ask whether the word introduces a clause. In “She said that she was tired,” that introduces the information she said. In “She was tired, and it showed,” it refers back to her tiredness or condition.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| that | Pronoun, determiner, conjunction, or relative pronoun | Points to, identifies, or introduces a specific thing or clause | That is the book I wanted. |
| it | Pronoun | Refers to a known thing, situation, or idea | I found the book, and it was expensive. |
How to Use That
That has several grammatical functions. As a demonstrative pronoun, it identifies a particular person, thing, or idea, usually one that is farther away in space, time, or conversation: “That is the correct answer.” As a determiner, it comes before a noun: “That answer is correct.”
That can also introduce a noun clause after verbs such as think, believe, know, and say. In many informal sentences, this conjunction can be omitted: “I think that she is right” and “I think she is right” are both grammatical.
As a relative pronoun, that can introduce a defining relative clause: “The laptop that I bought is lightweight.” It is common in both formal and casual writing, although some style guides prefer which or who in certain contexts.
Example 1: That is the restaurant we visited last summer.
Example 2: She explained that the meeting had been postponed.
Example 3: The shoes that I ordered arrived yesterday.
Etymology of the Word That
That comes from the Old English word þæt, which served as a demonstrative pronoun and conjunction. It is related to other Germanic forms, including the words that developed into that in Scots and das in German. Its several modern grammatical functions developed over many centuries.
How to Use It
It is a personal pronoun used for a singular thing, animal, situation, or idea when the specific referent is already known or clear. It commonly replaces a noun phrase to avoid repetition: “I bought a new phone, and it works well.”
It also appears in impersonal or anticipatory constructions. In “It is cold,” the word does not refer to a particular object. In “It is important to rest,” it fills the subject position while the real idea appears later in the sentence.
In everyday speech and writing, it is usually neutral and natural. However, avoid using it when the reader cannot determine what it refers to. A vague reference such as “They discussed the proposal with the manager, and it caused problems” may be unclear because it could refer to the proposal or the discussion.
Example 1: I watched the documentary, and it changed my opinion.
Example 2: It is difficult to predict the final result.
Example 3: The door was open, so I closed it.
Etymology of the Word It
It developed from the Old English neuter pronoun hit. The initial h gradually disappeared in Middle English, producing the modern form. Its use expanded from a neuter pronoun referring to objects to a broader grammatical role in weather expressions, judgments, and other impersonal constructions.
Related Concepts
Understanding demonstratives, reference, and clauses makes the difference between that and it much easier to recognize.
- Demonstrative pronouns: Words such as this, that, these, and those identify or point to particular people, objects, or ideas.
- Anaphoric reference: A pronoun has anaphoric reference when it points back to something already mentioned. In “The package arrived, and it was damaged,” it refers back to the package.
- Dummy subject: In “It is raining” or “It seems unlikely,” it does not refer to a specific object. It fills the grammatical subject position.
- Subordinating conjunction: In “I know that he is honest,” that connects the main clause to a dependent noun clause.
Examples from Media and Literature
Both words appear frequently in famous lines and ordinary descriptions. Their roles can be seen in the following examples:
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: The opening sentence begins, “It was the best of times,” using it as the subject of a broad description.
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare: In “That is the question,” that points to the question or issue being discussed.
- The Apollo 11 broadcast: The famous phrase “That’s one small step for a man” uses that to identify the step being described.
- News reporting: A report might say, “The committee released its findings, and it recommended new safety rules.” Here, it refers back to the committee.
- Film dialogue: A character who says, “That is exactly what I meant,” uses that to point to a specific statement or idea.
That Synonyms
The best substitute for that depends on its grammatical function and meaning. No single synonym works in every sentence.
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| this | Points to a generally nearer or more immediate person, thing, or idea |
| that one | Identifies one particular item among alternatives |
| which | Can replace that as a relative pronoun in some sentences |
| because | Can replace conjunctional that only when expressing a reason in a restructured sentence |
It Synonyms
Because it is a pronoun, its substitute must match the noun or idea to which it refers. The best replacement is often the specific noun itself.
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| the thing | A general noun phrase that can replace it when referring to an object or matter |
| the object | A more specific replacement when it refers to a physical item |
| the situation | A suitable replacement when it refers to circumstances or events |
| this | Can replace it when emphasizing or reintroducing a particular idea |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “that” or “it” correct?
Both are correct words. Use that to point to or identify something, or to introduce a clause. Use it to refer to a known thing, situation, or idea.
Question 2: Can “that” and “it” be used in the same sentence?
Yes. For example: “That is the book I told you about, and it is very difficult to find.” That identifies the book, while it refers back to the book.
Question 3: When can “that” be omitted?
When that introduces a noun clause, it can often be omitted in informal and neutral writing: “I think that she is ready” can become “I think she is ready.” It usually cannot be omitted when it functions as a demonstrative or relative pronoun.
Conclusion
That and it are both correct, but they perform different jobs. Choose that when pointing to, distinguishing, or introducing something; choose it when referring back to an understood thing or expressing an impersonal idea. Pro Tip: In professional writing, make every pronoun’s reference unmistakably clear to avoid confusion and protect your credibility.
