it

Universal Words pronoun (used as the subject or object of a verb or after a preposition) 1 used to refer to an animal or a thing that has already been mentioned or that is being talked about now: 'Where's your car?' 'It's in the garage.' * Did you see it? * Start a new file and put this letter in it. * Look! It's going up that tree. * We have $500. Will it be enough for a deposit? 2 used to refer to a baby, especially one whose sex is not known: Her baby's due next month. She hopes it will be a boy. 3 used to refer to a fact or situation that is already known or happening: When the factory closes, it will mean 500 people losing their jobs. * Yes, I was at home on Sunday. What about it? (= Why do you ask?) * Stop it, you're hurting me! 4 used to identify a person: It's your mother on the phone. * Hello, Peter, it's Mike here. * Hi, it's me! * Was it you who put these books on my desk? 5 used in the position of the subject or object of a verb when the real subject or object is at the end of the sentence: Does it matter what colour it is? * It's impossible to get there in time. * It's no use shouting. * She finds it boring at home. * It appears that the two leaders are holding secret talks. * I find it strange that she doesn't want to go. 6 used in the position of the subject of a verb when you are talking about time, the date, distance, the weather, etc: It's ten past twelve. * It's our anniversary. * It's two miles to the beach. * It's a long time since they left. * It was raining this morning. * It's quite warm at the moment. 7 used when you are talking about a situation: If it's convenient I can come tomorrow. * It's good to talk. * I like it here. 8 used to emphasize any part of a sentence: It's Jim who's the clever one. * It's Spain that they're going to, not Portugal. * It was three weeks later that he heard the news. 9 exactly what is needed: In this business, either you've got it or you haven't. seealsoITS IDIOMS that is it 1 this/that is the important point, reason, etc: That's just it-I can't work when you're making so much noise. 2 this/that is the end: I'm afraid that's it-we've lost. this is it 1 the expected event is just going to happen: Well, this is it! Wish me luck. 2 this is the main point: 'You're doing too much.' 'Well, this is it. I can't cope with any more work.'