What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
it
Example
I saw a bird in the garden. It was singing beautifully. [it: pronoun]
Example
It's raining outside. [it: subject pronoun]
Example
I don't like it when people talk loudly on their phones. [it: situation or condition]
that
Example
I saw a bird in the garden. That bird was singing beautifully. [that: pronoun]
Example
The book that I read last night was really interesting. [that: introducing a clause]
Example
That restaurant we went to last week was amazing. [that: indicating a particular thing]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
It is more commonly used than that in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts. That is more formal and specific, and is often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between it and that?
That is generally more formal than it, and is often used in academic or professional writing. It is more commonly used in casual conversation or informal writing.
