What is that/it

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What is that/it
Message from henny posted on 11-01-2021 at 06:36:35 (D | E | F)
Hello,
Can I say 'That is a flower' for example, when someone asks me 'What is that?' pointing to a flower.
Or do I have to say 'It is a flower.'
Thanks for any reply.

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Edited by lucile83 on 11-01-2021 07:47
Grey

Re: What is that/it from gerondif, posted on 11-01-2021 at 09:17:55 (D | E)
Hello
The person asking "What is that?" is pointing to an object far from him or unknown to him, surprising for him.
If you answer: "It is a flower.", you just give the piece of information. You can keep your hands in your pockets.
If you answer: "That is a flower.", you are showing it, pointing to it, or referring to the object that the person asking the question was showing.

Re: What is that/it from mah, posted on 17-01-2021 at 04:26:19 (D | E)
Hello
I think it depends. Talking is different from writing. Maybe the flower is near you but far from the person who is asking. ( It) is used for both that and this.
Here for example you can answer: It's a flower instead of this ( the flower is near you) is a flower.
The best

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