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The little words it and this dont carry a lot of meaning, but they are used in different
grammatical contexts, and using the wrong word can be confusing.
3. It also fills the subject position in many sentences about the weather, but it
doesnt have any real meaning.
It is hot today.
It is going to snow.
This also has two main functions, but it always refers back to a thing or idea that has
already been introduced:
1. As a determiner, this means this one (that the reader/listener can see or
already knows about).
In this class, you will learn about the history of musical theater.
Look at this mess on the floor!
2. As a pronoun, this can refer back to an entire idea, not just a single noun:
The price of gas has fallen. This is one reason why people are driving more.
Writers should be careful with the second use of this to make sure that the meaning
is clear. Sometimes it is preferable to include a noun that clarifies what this means,
especially in complex academic writing: