It-This | Commonly Confused Words

It

/ɪt/

Used to refer to a thing, animal, or situation previously mentioned or easily identified.

It is you.Well, its very kind of him, and I thank him heartily.'It's all off.'

This word has no antonyms

/ðɪs/

Used to refer to a specific thing or person that is nearby or has just been mentioned.

How could this be a quiet life?I have to stay in this prison.'I do not think it used to smell this bad.'

This word has no antonyms

Use it when referring to a singular noun previously mentioned, without needing to specify it again.
Use this when emphasizing or introducing a specific object or idea, often in a closer context.
It is more neutral and non-specific, while this often implies a sense of immediacy or importance.
Remember, it doesnt specify distance or time relevance, whereas this' often refers to something near or recent.
Use it for something already known, and this for something you are about to explain or emphasize.