Hi,

I've been asked to explain the difference between using 'that' and 'it' in a sentence, and give some examples, to my Japanese junior high ESL learners. Can anyone help me?

E.G. What is the difference between:
"Who owns that house?"
"Who owns it?"

I don't know if that's a good example or not, but that was what I was given.

"Who owns that house?" We are talking about a house, and indicating the house that we are talking about. eg we might be pointing at it. In other words, 'that' is a demonstrative adjective.

"Who owns it?" We are not necessarily talking about a house. We are talking about something that was previously mentioned or identified. eg Look at that nice car. Who owns it? In other words, 'it' is a pronoun.

I wonder if you are really being asked what the difference is between thefollowing statements.

"Who owns it?" I've already explained this.

"Who owns that?' Here, 'that' is not an adjective as above, but instead is a demonstrative pronoun. I suggest you begin to explain this by simply saying 'When you say this, you might point to the thing that you are talking about'.

Best wishes, Clive