What Part of Speech is “IT”

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!

 

  1. 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!

 

writer

Recent Posts

Parts of a Sentence: The Clause

In grammar, the sentence is the smallest independent unit which expresses a complete thought. Perhaps, you already know that there are…

9 years ago

What Part of Speech is “LIKE”?

In English texts and everyday communication, the word “like” serves a variety of purposes. It can act as an adjective,…

11 years ago

What Part of Speech is “IF”

In written and spoken English, the word “if” serves a double purpose. It can either be used as a conjunction…

11 years ago

What Part of Speech is “VERY”

Just like many words in the English language, the word ”very” also serves a double function. It can be used…

11 years ago

What Part of Speech is “WHAT”

In English texts and verbal communication, the word what also have various functions. It can be used as a adjective,…

11 years ago

What Part of Speech is “ABOUT”

In the English language, the word “about” has multiple purposes. It can be used as a preposition, an adverb, or…

11 years ago