There vs It

1. The Core Difference

There

We use there to say that something exists or appears.
It introduces new information.

Examples:

• “There is a problem.”
• “There were many people at the event.”
• “There seems to be a mistake.”

It

We use it to talk about:

• something already known
• time
• weather
• distance
• situations or facts

Examples:

• “It is raining.”
• “It was expensive.”
• “It is difficult to understand.”

2. There + Be (Existence)

We use there + be to introduce something for the first time.

Structure

there + be + noun

Examples

• “There is a book on the table.”
• “There are two students outside.”
• “There was a strange noise.”

Why?

The focus is on the existence of something, not the thing itself.
Compare:

• “A book is on the table.”
• “There is a book on the table.”

The second sentence sounds more natural when introducing new information.

3. Using “It”

We use it when the listener already understands what we mean.

Examples:

• “I bought a new phone. It is very fast.”
• “I saw a movie yesterday. It was amazing.”

Why?

The noun was already mentioned, so we use it to refer back to it.

4. “There” Introduces — “It” Refers Back

This is one of the most important differences.

Example

• “There is a cat outside. It looks hungry.”

Explanation

• there introduces the cat
• it refers back to the cat

5. Using “It” for Weather, Time, and Distance

We often use it even when there is no clear noun.

5.1 Weather

Examples:

• “It is raining.”
• “It was cold yesterday.”
• “It might snow tomorrow.”

5.2 Time

Examples:

• “It is 8 o’clock.”
• “It was late.”
• “It is time to leave.”

5.3 Distance

Examples:

• “It is far from here.”
• “It’s 10 kilometres to the airport.”

6. Introductory “It”

We often use it before:

• infinitives
• clauses

This structure sounds more natural and balanced.

6.1 It + be + adjective + infinitive

Examples:

• “It is important to study.”
• “It was difficult to understand him.”
• “It is nice to meet you.”

6.2 It + be + adjective + that-clause

Examples:

• “It is obvious that she is upset.”
• “It is surprising that nobody complained.”

7. There Is vs It Is

In sections 1–6 we looked at the general difference and common uses. Here we focus on the specific contrast between There is/are (existence) and It is (description/identification).

These structures are often confused.

Remember: There + be introduces an existing thing/event; It is gives information about a specific thing (often already identified).

There is

Meaning:
something exists

Examples:

• “There is a problem.”
• “There are several reasons.”

It is

Meaning:
describe or identify something

Examples:

• “It is a serious problem.”
• “It is the best solution.”

Compare

• “There is a good restaurant near here.” (existence)
• “It is a good restaurant.” (description/opinion)

8. Advanced “There” Structures

You may also see:

• there seems to be
• there appears to be
• there used to be

Examples

• “There seems to be a misunderstanding.”
• “There used to be a cinema here.”
• “There appears to be a problem with the system.”

Note

• seems/appears soften the statement (you’re not 100% sure); used to be refers to past existence that is no longer true.

9. Easy Way to Remember

• there → introduces existence
• it → refers to something known or describes situations

Ask yourself:
“Am I introducing something new?”
→ use there
“Am I describing or referring to something?”
→ use it