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Questions and Answers
What part of speech is 'it'?
What part of speech is 'it'?
What type of 'it' is used to refer to an animal or thing without a gender?
What type of 'it' is used to refer to an animal or thing without a gender?
In what way can 'it' be used in a sentence?
In what way can 'it' be used in a sentence?
What is an example of 'it' used as a complement?
What is an example of 'it' used as a complement?
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What type of 'it' is used in idiomatic expressions?
What type of 'it' is used in idiomatic expressions?
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What is an example of reflexive 'it'?
What is an example of reflexive 'it'?
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Study Notes
Definition of "it"
- "It" is a pronoun used to refer to a thing, idea, or situation
- Can be used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence
Types of "it"
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Impersonal "it": refers to the weather, time, or a situation
- Examples: "It's raining.", "It's 5 o'clock.", "It's a beautiful day."
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Neuter "it": refers to an animal or thing without a gender
- Examples: "It's a cat.", "It's a book."
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Generic "it": refers to a general idea or concept
- Examples: "It's good to exercise.", "It's important to study."
Uses of "it"
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As a subject: "It" can be used as the subject of a sentence
- Examples: "It is on the table.", "It is very heavy."
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As an object: "It" can be used as a direct or indirect object
- Examples: "I gave it to her.", "She threw it away."
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As a complement: "It" can be used as a complement to a linking verb
- Examples: "The winner is it.", "The best part is it."
Special uses of "it"
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Reflexive "it": used to refer back to the subject
- Examples: "The cat washed it.", "The dog saw it."
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Idiomatic "it": used in idiomatic expressions
- Examples: "Get it?", "It's all about it."
Definition of "it"
- Pronoun used to refer to a thing, idea, or situation.
- Functions as a subject, object, or complement in sentences.
Types of "it"
-
Impersonal "it": Pertains to weather, time, or situations.
- Examples demonstrate common usages like describing weather or stating time.
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Neuter "it": Refers to animals or things without gender identification.
- Common examples include pets and inanimate objects.
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Generic "it": Encompasses general ideas or concepts.
- Used to express opinions or general truths about activities or importance.
Uses of "it"
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As a subject: "It" represents the main topic of a sentence.
- Illustrates examples where "it" is the focus of the statement.
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As an object: Functions as a direct or indirect object within a sentence.
- Examples clarify how "it" interacts with the action or the verb.
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As a complement: Acts as a complement to a linking verb, providing additional information.
- Examples help identify "it" in descriptive roles.
Special uses of "it"
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Reflexive "it": Refers back to the subject, indicating an action performed by the subject on itself.
- Examples show how pets might reference themselves in actions.
-
Idiomatic "it": Featured in common expressions, conveying specific meanings or inquiries.
- Highlights phrases that require understanding of context rather than literal interpretation.
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Description
Learn about the different types of 'it' in English grammar, including impersonal, neuter, and generic 'it', with examples and explanations.
