Would you use "that" or "it" in this situation?

Question

Could you tell me which sounds better?

Let's say you are at a restaurant.You ask:

What's today's special? The server answers, It's grilled steak. It comes with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Then would you say ,"I'll have that." or "I'll have it."? Which is correct or is it OK to use both?

As a learner, I think that because you are referring to a source or you are talking about a topic already discussed. — Cardinal, Jun 12, 2016 at 7:01
Do I understand correctly that's because the server's comment is not just one sentence? .If the server's reply is shorter like, " It's grilled steak.", then is it OK to say ,"I'll have it."? — Kijitora, Jun 12, 2016 at 12:28

tum_ · Accepted Answer · 2016-06-12 07:45:16Z

1

Both are correct. Just slightly different intonation. Personally, I would probably say "I'll have it".

answered Jun 12, 2016 at 7:45

tum_

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I'd always use "that" in this context - i.e. the waiter tells you the special, and you refer to the thing he just said, "that"
– 13509
Jun 12, 2016 at 8:25
"I'll have it" might indicate you are a bit reluctant - maybe there's nothing better. But that depends on your tone of voice. Note that "it" will always be unstressed in this, but "I'll have that" will usually have stress on "that", and is more enthusiastic about the choice.
– Colin Fine
Jun 12, 2016 at 9:41
"that depends on your tone of voice." - exactly. A very important aspect of live conversation. People will easily forgive you your grammar mistakes but they won't forgive you the tone. :)
– tum_
Jun 13, 2016 at 5:49
Thanks, now I understand the tone of voice is really important. Being nice to other people means you respect them.
– Kijitora
Jun 13, 2016 at 8:50

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