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this/that and it: things that have just been mentioned

Referring back​

This, that and it can all be used to refer back to things or situations that have just been talked or written about. It does not give any special emphasis.

  • So she decided to paint her house pink. It upset the neighbours a bit.

This and that are more emphatic; they ‘shine a light’, so to speak, on the things or situations, suggesting ‘an interesting new fact has been mentioned’.

  • So she decided to paint her house pink. This/That really upset the neighbours, as you can imagine.

This is preferred when there is more to say about the new subject of discussion.

  • So she decided to paint her house pink. This upset the neighbours so much that they took her to court, believe it or not. The case came up last week …
  • Then in 1917 he met Andrew Lewis. This was a turning point in his career: the two men entered into a partnership which lasted until 1946, and … (More natural than … That was a turning point …)

More than one thing​

When more than one thing has been mentioned, it generally refers to the main subject of discussion; this and that generally refer to a new subject that has been introduced (often the last thing mentioned). Compare:

  • We keep the ice-cream machine in the spare room. It is mainly used by the children, incidentally. (The machine is used by the children.)
    We keep the ice-cream machine in the spare room. This/That is mainly used by the children, incidentally. (The spare room is used by the children.)
  • I was carrying the statue to my office when I dropped it on the kitchen table. It was badly damaged. (The statue was damaged.)
    I was carrying the statue to my office when I dropped it on the kitchen table. This was badly damaged. (The table was damaged.)

Focus​

It is only used to refer to things which are ‘in focus’ – which have already been talked about. This is preferred when we ‘bring things into focus’ before anything has been said about them. Compare:

  • I enjoyed ‘Vampires’ Picnic’. It/This is a film for all the family …
  • VAMPIRES’ PICNIC: This is a film for all the family … (not VAMPIRES’ PICNIC: It is a film for all the family …)

Referring forward​

Only this can refer forward to something that has not yet been mentioned.

  • Now what do you think about this? I thought I’d get a job in Spain for six months, and then … (not Now what do you think about that/it …)
note

For more about it, (see here).