English impersonal pronouns (it, there, ...)

Depending on their category they are used to talk about people in a general manner and allow for generic interpretation.

In English we can distinguish four types of impersonal pronouns: it, there, one, they

1. It pronoun

The impersonal pronoun "It" is the most widely used neutral form in English that can refer to either things, animals, or weather/time/dates.

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Examples:

• It is cold here.
• It is Wednesday.
• It snowed in Chicago last week, it was very pretty.
• It's half past 3.

2. There pronoun

When used as a pronoun it is meant to introduce a noun or an expression. It's most common placement is at the beginning of the sentence.

Examples:

• There's something in the dark.
• There's nothing wrong with that.
• There is a new tenant in the building.
• There are so many opportunities there. 

Warning: Be mindful when using their, there, they’re. Their writing and verbal sound might be similar, however, their meaning is different. 

3. One pronoun

One is a gender-neutral pronoun that is used for generalization without referring to one specific individual. It is more commonly used in British English as opposed to American English where it is considered very formal. 

Warning: If one begins the expression with one then one must continue with it to preserve a consistent sentence structure. 

Examples:

• One's experiences shape one's character.
• One is happy to be of service.
• One does not just do that.
• One should never be mean.

Interesting fact: To avoid confusion in American English verbally and in writing one is often replaced by you which holds an identical meaning in a less formal delivery. 

4. They pronoun

It is similar to one as both are gender-neutral pronouns when used as an impersonal pronoun. They is used to talk about a wide group of people in a generic manner such as countries, institutions, unknown/unspecified groups, authorities. 

Impersonal pronouns examples:

• They drive on the right side in Romania.
• In American restaurants, they are supposed to welcome you with a glass of water as soon as you arrive.
• They love spicy food in Mexico.