Extra Position
Extra Position
Extra Position
and Object
The anticipatory (Introductory) Subject It
Elements of the sentence that are shifted from their normal position to the end of the sentence are
either complex and lengthy or under stress (emphatic) or both.
For example, when the subject is expressed by a non-finite (infinitival or gerundial) or a finit clause, it is
normally shifted after the predicator and the subject position is filled by the anticipatory (introductory,
dummy) subject it. The non-finite or the finite clause then functions as apposed or postponed subject.
It(S) is(P) interesting(SC) to watch the children at play(S).
Introductory subject it introduces the real subject expressed by:
Infinitival clauses
it is generally the indefinite present infinitive of the active voice (and affirmative form) that
occurs as predicator in a non-finite subject clause it occurs after:
o adjectives: Its dangerous to cross the street when the lights are red.
o participial adjectives (expressing emotion): It is annoying to be kept waiting.
the infinitival clause may have its own subject introduced by a for-phrase or an of-phrase:
It was impossible for me to remain serious.
It is hard for him to live away from his family.
Gerundial clauses
after some adjectives (also infinitival clause could be used):
It seems foolish quarrelling over such trifles.
Its incredible meeting you in London.
after some nouns and set expressions: Its no use, Its a pleasure, Its a good thing...
Its no use complaining.
a gerund or a gerundial clause is used as postponed subject in certain types of exclamatory
sentences beginning with what or how.
What a nuisance (it is) having to wait for an hour.
Finite clauses (postponed subject clauses)
the real subject may be expressed by:
o a noun: Its a good thing that you had a fire extinguisher at hand.
o an adjective, particularly one expressing modality:
Its desirable that all possible doubts and ambiguities concerning this project should be
eliminated now.
Its essential that the substance be chemically pure. (subjunctive)
o the passive construction with the verbs such as believe, consider, expect, know, report,
say, think:
It is believed that the prisoners will be set free.
a dependent question with a rather limited number of openings:
It doesnt matter how he got that informations.
It is not certain yet when they will move into the new flat.
occasionally a dependent exclamatory clause with such opening as:
Its unbelievable how easily some people earn lots of money.
Its funny how she keeps asking me the same question.