it

Everyday

1. It points to a thing, an animal or an idea already named: I have a ball; it is red. tree →
2. It is used for weather, time and distance: It is raining. It is 3 o'clock. It is far. tree →
3. It can stand for a whole sentence or idea: I know it. tree →
4. It can point forward to an idea coming later: It is fun to swim. tree →
5. (casual) «That's it» means that's all, or that's right; «this is it» means this is the moment; «you're it» is said in the game of tag; «go for it» means try it. tree →
6. (rough) «Cut it out!», «stop it!», «pack it in!» (UK) mean stop doing that now; «you'll get it» means you'll be punished. tree →
7. (formal) The exam voice uses «it» in stiff openings: «It is given that …», «It may be assumed that …», «It follows that …». tree →

In the lessons

a word, a thing or a phrase talked about («Here the word «more» … it asks how big the difference is»); in stories find the thing «it» stands for; in everyday life «It's me!», «it's raining», «you're it» (in the game of tag), «make it» (arrive in time); in casual talk «that's it», «go for it»; in rough talk «cut it out», «pack it in»; in the exam voice «It is given that», «It follows that», «It may be assumed that»

Examples

• Here the word «more» does not mean adding: it asks how big the difference is. tree →
• Sam had a pie and cut it into 6 slices. tree →
• I found a shell and put it in my bag. tree →
• It is cold outside today. tree →
• It is time for bed. tree →
• What is it? tree →
• The dog wagged its tail. tree →
• Tag, you're it! tree →
• It's 8:25, bus is at 8:40, we'll make it tree →
• Cut it out, you two, or no pudding! tree →
• That's it, no more biscuits. tree →
• It is given that a pie is divided into 6 congruent portions, of which 2 are consumed. tree →
• "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. tree →

Note

No operation clue; find the thing «it» stands for. «its» (no apostrophe) means belonging to it: its tail; «it's» means «it is» or «it has»: it's raining. «It is given that» in an exam only introduces the facts. «That's it» can end a list, so nothing more is added. «Cut it out» is an order to stop, not to cut anything.

In Jewish tradition

a word, a thing or a phrase talked about («Here the word «more» … it asks how big the difference is»); in stories find the thing «it» stands for; in everyday life «It's me!», «it's raining», «you're it» (in the game of tag), «make it» (arrive in time); in casual talk «that's it», «go for it»; in rough talk «cut it out», «pack it in»; in the exam voice «It is given that», «It follows that», «It may be assumed that»

Examples

• and every raven after its kinds; (Torah DEU.14.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• It shall not be baked with leaven. (Torah LEV.6.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he called the name of it Sitnah. (Torah GEN.26.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Is it not wheat harvest to-day? (Prophets 1SA.12.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Was it not but a word?' (Prophets 1SA.17.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• But what is it even then? (Prophets 1KI.14.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

No operation clue; find the thing «it» stands for. «its» (no apostrophe) means belonging to it: its tail; «it's» means «it is» or «it has»: it's raining. «It is given that» in an exam only introduces the facts. «That's it» can end a list, so nothing more is added. «Cut it out» is an order to stop, not to cut anything.