up/it/this

[GUEST2008]

Hi

1. Is it better to say: Do this bolt up OR Do up this bolt.

2. Is there any difference if I say: It is a ... AND This is a ...

Isn't there a rule which says that we use "It is" for more abstract things (It's fear), and "This is" for something which is close to us (This is a car)?

Thanks

 

[sarat_106]

Hi

1. Is it better to say: Do this bolt up OR Do up this bolt.

2. Is there any difference if I say: It is a ... AND This is a ...

Isn't there a rule which says that we use "It is" for more abstract things (It's fear), and "This is" for something which is close to us (This is a car)?

Thanks

1. I think do up is inseparable unless you use a pronoun as the object( She spent a lot of time doing herself up.) So say: Do up the bolt.

2. Both can be used to express abstract thing/idea/concept (This/It is a good idea) but ‘it’ is exclusively used as impersonal subject(such as time, distance, weather) of the verb to be; as:
It is six o'clock.
It is five miles to town.
It is still raining.