The word “it” also has a double purpose. It can be used either as a pronoun or as a noun in English texts and spoken English.

1. Pronoun

This word is commonly classified as a pronoun when it is used to replace an object that has already been mentioned or can easily be known. As in the sentence below:

I found a chest full of ancient artifacts in it.

The word “it” is used as a pronoun that replaces the word “chest.”

Definition:

a. used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified

• Example:
• A room with a single bed in it.

 

b. a crucial or climactic point

• Example:
• This is it!

 

2. Noun

Sometimes, the word “it” is also used as a noun, which refers to the player in a children’s game that is assigned to a particular role. For example, in the sentence below:

She’s always it, but loves the game.

The word “it” is used as a noun that indicates a specific player in the game.

Definition:

a. the player in some children’s games (such as hide-and-seek and tag) who performs the main action of the game (such as finding or catching other players)

• Example:
• Now, you’re it!