this, that or it

[AlexAD]

Hello.

I am confused about what pronoun can be used in the following:

'Is this a robbery? Yes, it is a robbery'.

Can it be replaced with that or this?

Thanks, Alex.

 

[SanMar]

Hello.

I am confused about what pronoun can be used in the following:

'Is this a robbery? Yes, it is a robbery'.

Can it be replaced with that or this?

Thanks, Alex.

As a native speaker I'd only answer with either it or this.
Yes, this/it is a robbery! Gimme all your money.;-)
But it would be best to have a teacher verify and/or explain.


Not a teacher.

 

[emsr2d2]

I would simply say that once the thing/activity in question has been identified by the use of "this/that", then "it" can be used from then on as we already know what "it" is.

What is that?
I think it's a boat.
It's horrible.
Yes, it is, but it's mine!

Is this a good day for swimming.
It is.
It's a bit cold, isn't it?
It is but I don't mind.

Is that the shirt you're going to wear to the wedding?
It is.
But it's really creased.
I know, but it will look OK after I've ironed it.

 

[bhaisahab]

"Is that a robbery?" seems a very odd question to me.