The Role of the Pronoun IT

Most of us don't know how we can use the pronoun 'it' in different ways (different places). Now in this chapter, we can see how 'it' is used in different places.

'It' is used :

(I) for things without life:

1. Juli bought a camera. It is very costly.
2. He opened the box. It contained a lot of jewels.

(II) for animals in common:

1. The police brought the dog. It ran here and there.
2. I saw a deer. It was very beautiful.

(III) for a child in common:

1. The child saw the mother. It ran to her.
2. The baby saw the stranger. It cried loudy.

(IV) for a temporary subject:

1. It is better to start now.
2. It is certain that she will win.
3. It is easy to preach.

(V) To give emphasis to the following noun / Pronoun.

1. It was the speaker who provoked us.
2. It was I who first finished the work.
3. It was the world cup 2011 that proved his talents.

(VI) As an indefinite nominative of an impersonal verb:

1. It blows.
2. It rains heavily.
3. It blooms.

(VII) When you speak of weather or time:

1. It is two o' clock.
2. It is fine.
3. It is summer.

(VIII) for a collective noun viewed as a whole.

1. The army lost its way in the mountains.
2. The crew obeyed its officers.

Notes:

a. Personal pronouns must be of same number, gender and person.

Example:

1. The workers are tired. They need rest.
2. William is wise. He will manage.

b. When two singular nouns are joined by 'and', the pronoun is plural.

Example:

1. Jack and Jill went up the hill. They met with and accident.
2. Linda and Liza are friends. They study well.

c. The singular nouns joined by 'and'-refers to the same person or thing / one person or thing the pronoun is singular.

Example:

1. The principal and correspondent has arrived with his staff.
2. I bought cup and saver can it is beautiful.

d. When two nouns are joined by or/ either -or / neither nor, the pronoun is singular.

Example:

1. Miranda or Miriam must meet her teacher.
2. Either Albert or Andrews got his salary.
3. Neither Lucy nor Lydia brings her text book.

e. To show good manners: you and I. - not 'I and you'

Example:

1. you and I must go now.
2. She and we went to the movie.
3. The room is for you and me (not 'I')
• 'you and I' is wrong.
4. My friend invited my brother and me to the party. (not 'I')
• 'My brother and I' is wrong.
5. None will follow you but me. (not 'I')
• ' you but I' is wrong.