It vs. Is — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
"It" is a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned object or idea, while "Is" is the third person singular present tense of the verb "be."
Difference Between It and Is
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"It" is a versatile pronoun, frequently used to represent objects, animals, or ideas. On the other hand, "Is" functions as a linking verb, helping connect the subject to its complement.
When employing "It," speakers or writers can eliminate redundancy by not repetitively naming the object or idea. Conversely, "Is" plays a pivotal role in forming the present continuous tense, often combined with present participles.
Often in sentences, "It" serves as a subject, especially in impersonal constructions. For instance, in "It is raining," while "Is" represents the state of being or existence in such constructions.
The pronoun "It" can sometimes replace more complex subjects to simplify statements, like "It's a pleasure to meet you." Meanwhile, "Is" can indicate a state, condition, or characteristic, such as in "The sky is blue."
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Pronoun
Verb
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Main Function
Represents objects, animals, or ideas
Indicates state of being or existence
Use in Sentences
Often the subject
Acts as a linking verb
Tense
Not tense-specific
Present tense, third person singular
Example
"It is my book."
"She is a teacher."
Compare with Definitions
It
A pronoun replacing a noun for objects or animals.
The dog chased its tail until it got dizzy.
Is
Used to describe characteristics or states.
The apple is red.
It
Used for a previously mentioned or understood subject.
Where's the remote? I can't find it.
Is
Third person singular present of "be."
She is a doctor.
It
Used for emphasis.
It was she who called first.
Is
Forms the present continuous tense.
She is running.
It
Referring to a general situation or condition.
It seems that you're right.
Is
Indicates existence.
There is a solution.
It
An animal that has been neutered
The cat is an it.
Is
Links the subject to its complement.
The problem is its complexity.
It
The third-person singular personal pronoun used to refer to an inanimate object, abstract entity, or non-human living thing.
Take this book and put it on the shelf.
Take each day as it comes.
I found a poor little cat. It seems to be half starving.
Is
Third person singular present indicative of be.
It
A third-person singular personal pronoun used to refer to a baby or child, especially of unknown gender.
She took the baby and held it in her arms.
Is
Used in phrases with existential there when the semantic subject is a third-person plural.
There is three of them there.
It
(obsolete) An affectionate third-person singular personal pronoun.
Is
(Geordie) me.
It
A third-person singular personal pronoun used to refer to an animate referent who is transgender or is neither female nor male.
Is
(rare) i's.
It
Used to refer to someone being identified, often on the phone, but not limited to this situation.
It's me. John.
Is it her?
It is I, your king.
Is
The third person singular of the substantive verb be, in the indicative mood, present tense; as, he is; he is a man. See Be.
For thy is I come, and eke Alain.
Aye is thou merry.
To-morrow is the new moon.
It
The impersonal pronoun, used without referent as the subject of an impersonal verb or statement (known as the dummy pronoun, dummy it or weather it).
It is nearly 10 o’clock.
It’s 10:45.
It’s very cold today.
It’s lonely without you.
It
The impersonal pronoun, used without referent, or with unstated but contextually implied referent, in various short idioms or expressions.
Rough it
Live it up
Stick it out
It
Referring to a desirable quality or ability, or quality of being successful, fashionable or in vogue.
After all these years, she still has it.
It
Referring to sexual intercourse or other sexual activity.
I caught them doing it.
Are you getting it regularly?
It
(uncountable) Sex appeal, especially that which goes beyond physical appearance.
It
The impersonal pronoun, used as a placeholder for a delayed subject, or less commonly, object; known as the dummy pronoun (according to some definitions), anticipatory it or, more formally in linguistics, a syntactic expletive. The delayed subject is commonly a to-infinitive, a gerund, or a noun clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
It
All or the end; something after which there is no more.
Are there more students in this class, or is this it?
That's it—I'm not going to any more candy stores with you.
It
(obsolete) Followed by an omitted and understood relative pronoun: That which; what.
It
(obsolete) Its.
It
One who is neither a he nor a she; a creature; a dehumanized being.
It
The person who chases and tries to catch the other players in the playground game of tag.
In the next game, Adam and Tom will be it…
It
The game of tag.
Let's play it at breaktime.
It
Georg Groddeck}}
It
(colloquial) Most fashionable, popular, or in vogue.
It
The neuter pronoun of the third person, corresponding to the masculine pronoun he and the feminine she, and having the same plural (they, their or theirs, them).
The day present hath ever inough to do with it owne grief.
Do, child, go to it grandam, child.
It knighthood shall do worse. It shall fright all it friends with borrowing letters.
The fruit tree yielding fruit after his (its) kind.
It
As a substance for any noun of the neuter gender; as, here is the book, take it home.
It
As a demonstrative, especially at the beginning of a sentence, pointing to that which is about to be stated, named, or mentioned, or referring to that which apparent or well known; as, I saw it was John.
It is I; be not afraid.
Peter heard that it was the Lord.
It
As an indefinite nominative for a impersonal verb; as, it snows; it rains.
It
As a substitute for such general terms as, the state of affairs, the condition of things, and the like; as, how is it with the sick man?
Think on me when it shall be well with thee.
It
As an indefinite object after some intransitive verbs, or after a substantive used humorously as a verb; as, to foot it (i. e., to walk).
The Lacedemonians, at the Straits of Thermopylæ, when their arms failed them, fought it out with nails and teeth.
Whether the charmer sinner it, or saint it,If folly grows romantic, I must paint it.
It
An impersonal subject for statements about time, weather, or distance.
It is nearly 3 o'clock.
Common Curiosities
What role does "Is" play in a sentence?
"Is" is the third person singular present tense of the verb "be."
What part of speech is "It"?
"It" is a pronoun.
Can "It" refer to humans?
Typically, "It" refers to objects, animals, or ideas but can refer to babies when gender isn't specified.
What tense is the word "Is"?
"Is" is in the present tense.
How is "It" used in impersonal statements?
"It" can represent non-specific subjects, as in "It's raining."
Can "Is" be used with plural subjects?
No, for plural subjects, "are" is used.
Can "Is" describe a permanent state?
It can describe both temporary and permanent states.
Is "It" gender-specific?
No, "It" is neutral and doesn't specify gender.
Is "Is" a linking verb?
Yes, it links the subject to its complement.
Is "Is" interchangeable with "are" or "am"?
No, "Is" is specific to third person singular. "Are" is plural, and "am" is first person singular.
Can "It" be an object in a sentence?
Yes, as in "I saw it yesterday."
Does "It" always refer to something previously mentioned?
Mostly, but "It" can also introduce a topic, as in "It's nice that you came."
How is "Is" used in continuous tenses?
"Is" can be combined with present participles, e.g., "He is running."
Can "It" be used for emphasis?
Yes, as in "It was John who helped her."
Why is "It" frequently used in English?
"It" helps avoid repetition and can simplify or generalize statements.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
