1.101 'it'

You use 'it' to refer to anything which is not male or female; for example, an object, place, or organization, or something abstract.

• I've just bought Murdoch's new book. It's a very long novel.
• 'Have you been to London?' 'Yes, it was very crowded.'
• How many people saw the BBC when it started broadcasting in 1937?
• It is not an idea that has much public support.

'It' is often used to refer to an animal when its gender is not known or not considered to be important. Some people also refer to babies in this way.

• The bear came at Patrick; it had thick fur.
• If the shark is still around it will not escape.
• How Winifred loved the baby! And how Stephanie hated it!

You also use 'it' in general statements, for example to refer to a situation, the time, the date, or the weather.

• It is very quiet here.
• It is half past three.
• It is January 19th.
• It is rainy and cold.

For more information on the use of 'it' in general statements, see paragraphs 10.31 to 10.45.

Note that 'it' is also an object pronoun. For more information on this, see paragraphs 1.104 to 1.107.