Specific 'it/they', etc. and non-specific 'one/some', etc.
Obligatory subjects: 'it', 'they', 'one', 'some' (for things)
It and they are used as subjects if the reference is specific: specific:Did the letterI've been expecting come?
- Yes, itcame this morning (the + singular noun = it)
Did the lettersI've been expecting come?
- Yes, theycame this morning, (the + plural noun = they)
One and some, functioning on their own as pronouns, can be used as
subjects if the reference is non-specific:
non-specific:Did a lettercome for me?
- Yes, onecame/some came for you this morning
(a/an + singular noun = one)
Did any letterscome for me9
- Yes, somecame/one came for you this morning
(any/some + plural noun = some in a positive answer or
none in a negative answer)
Obligatory objects: 'it', 'them', 'one', 'some', 'any' (for things)
An object is obligatory after transitive verbs, such as enjoy or make, and verbs which are being used transitively, such as play [> App 1]. It, them or a noun must be used as objects when the reference is specific [> 4.16.1]:
What do you think of this cake?
- I like it/I don't like it(Not */ like/don't like*)
What do you think of these cakes?
- I like them/Idon't like them(Not */ like/don't like*)
One must be used as an object when it stands for a/an + countable
noun (i.e. the reference is non-specific) [> 4.16.1]:
Have a biscuit- I've had one/Idon't want onethank you Would you like a drink?- I'd love onethank you
Some and any [> 5 10] must be used as objects when there is a non-specific reference to uncountable nouns and plural countables:
Have you got any sugar?Can you lend me someplease9 Sorry, I haven't got any(to spare).
Have you got any drawing-pins?Can I borrow someplease9
- I'm afraid I haven't got any(to spare)