Main Difference – It vs This
It and this are another two words that confuse many English learners. Although both these words can be considered as pronouns, there is a difference in their grammar. The main difference between it and this is that it is a third person singular personal pronoun whereas this is a demonstrative adjective and pronoun. The functions and meaning of these two words also change due to the differences in their grammatical categories. In addition, it is mainly used with animals, and non-living things whereas this can be used to refer to people as well.
This article explains,
1. Grammar, Meaning and Usage of the word It
2. Grammar, Meaning and Usage of the word This
3. Difference Between It and This – Comparision of Grammar, Meaning and Usage 
It – Grammar, Meaning and Usage
It is the third person singular personal pronoun. It is often used to refer to animals or non-living things. It can be used as a subject and an object.
The dog was taken to the vet since it looked ill.
The waiter brought a tray with two glasses on it.
This theory is applicable since it is logical.
It is also used as the subject of sentences about time, weather, and distance.
It’s half past nine.
It rained last night.
It’s only two kilometers to the capital.
It is also used as the subject when there is no identifiable doer or actor.
It is important to learn about history.
It is impossible to enter the castle without being seen.
It can also emphasize a part of a sentence.
It is the child who becomes a victim.
It is not you who have to suffer the consequences.
It can also be used to identify a person. For example, if you knock on the door, and the person who is going to open the door asks who it is, you would reply ‘it’s me.’ Here, you are identifying yourself to others.
It’s raining.
This – Grammar, Meaning and Usage
This is a demonstrative adjective and a pronoun. Since it and this is mostly confused due to their functions as pronouns, we’d specifically look at this as a pronoun in this article.
This is used to identify a specific person or thing close by or being indicated or experienced
This is the book I told you about.
Is this yours?
This refers to a specific thing just mentioned.
This is their trip abroad.
She made lunch, and this made her late.
This is used to introduce someone or something
This is my mother.
This is my village.
It vs This – Confusion in Usage
It’s my mother
This is my mother
Most people are confused about the difference between sentences like the above examples. What is the exact difference between them? The main difference between them is that it identifies the person, and this introduces the person.
If you are introducing your mother to your friends, you can say “this is my mother.” But, if you get a call from your mother when you are with your friends, and you want to identify the caller, you’ll say ‘it’s my mother.’
This is my friend, Alen.
Difference Between It and This
Grammatical Category
It is the third person singular pronoun.
This is a demonstrative pronoun and adjective.
Gender
It is used with non-living things and animals. (neuter gender)
This can be used with female, male and neuter genders.
Identify vs Introduce
It is used to identify a person.
This is used to introduce a person.
Time, weather and distance
It can be used as the subject in statements about time, weather, and distance.
This cannot be used in statements about time, weather, and distance.
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