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pronoun American English pronunciation: it /ɪt/
It can be used as the subject, object, or complement of a verb or the object of a preposition.
 
  1. 1
    referring to something that has been mentioned
    1. a.
      used for referring to a thing, situation, place, animal, etc. when it has already been mentioned or when it is obvious which one you are referring to

      I can’t find my ticket. I think I must have lost it.

      Don’t do it again.

      Her dog was howling at the door, so he let it in.

      You should come to Rome – it’s a wonderful city.

      If you could call her for me, I would appreciate it.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
    2. b.
      used for referring to a baby or very young child when it has already been mentioned, or when it is obvious which one you are referring to

      Is it a boy or a girl?

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  2. 2
    used as the subject/object of a sentence
    1. a.
      used instead of the subject of a sentence, when the real subject is a phrase or clause at the end of the sentence

      It’s nice to be home again.

      It’s strange that she never mentioned the wedding.

      It annoys me to hear people blaming everything on big business.

      It’s always sad saying goodbye to someone you love.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
    2. b.
      used after a verb in place of the object, when the real object is a phrase or clause at the end of the sentence

      The new law made it easier to get a divorce.

      I find it amazing that anyone would want to listen to that music.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  3. 3
    used for referring to someone’s life, work, or general situation

    He’s been having it pretty easy up to now.

    What’s it like in the army these days?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  4. 4
    used for talking about the weather, the temperature, or the light

    It rained last night.

    It’s a beautiful day.

    It’s cooler inside the house.

    It gets dark at around five.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  5. 5
    used for saying or asking what the time, day, or date is

    “What time is it?” “It’s four o’clock.”

    It was nearly midnight when we got home.

    It was 1985, and Sally had just graduated from high school.

    Thank goodness it’s Saturday tomorrow.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  6. 6
    used for saying how large a distance is

    It’s about ten miles from here to Billings.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  7. 7
    used with the verb “to be” for emphasizing that you are referring to a particular person, thing, time, or place

    It’s your brother I want to speak to.

    It was a year ago today that I started working here.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  8. 8
    spoken used for telling someone who you are, or asking who someone else is, especially on the telephone

    “Ted, you’ve got a phone call.”“Find out who it is.”

    Hello, it’s me, Jeff.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  9. 9
    used in some expressions for referring to the thing that you want someone to do

    Stop it. You’re hurting me.

    Jump to it! There’s no time to lose.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  10. 10
    exactly what is needed mainly spoken
    1. a.
      an ability or quality that is needed in order to do something

      We’ll soon find out if you’re any good as an actor. Either you’ve got it or you don’t.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
    2. b.
      the quality of being sexually attractive

      She’s definitely got it – the guys are all crazy about her.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it
  11. 11
    very informal used for referring to the activity of having sex, especially when you do not want to say this directly

    They were together all night, but did they actually do it?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  itThesaurus entry for this meaning of it

phrases

This is the American English definition of it. View British English definition of it.

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