"yes, it is" or "yes, they are"?

Nessie · #1 (permalink) Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:10 am *"yes, it is" or "yes, they are"?*

Hi,
What is the answer for this question: "Is everything all right?" - Should it be "yes, it is" or "yes, they are"? (I personally think the latter is correct)

Many thanks
Nessie.
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Haihao · #2 (permalink) Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:27 am *"yes, it is" or "yes, they are"?*

Orthodoxly: "Yes, it is". (= Yes, everything IS all right)

Atomos · #3 (permalink) Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:19 am *"yes, it is" or "yes, they are"?*

We use "it" to represent indefinite nouns such as "everything", "nothing". So the correct choice here is "yes, it is". The link below, especially the "it, they and them" section would be useful for you :)

http://www.perfectyourenglish.com/grammar/personal-pronouns.htm
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