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Lecture 16 use of it

Lecture 16 use of it. 1.Empty it 2.Anticipatory it 3. Introductory it in cleft sentences . 1. Empty it: non-referring it as formal subject It is meaningless and is chiefly used as formal subject in sentences denoting time, place, distance, and atmospheric conditions.

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Lecture 16 use of it

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  1. Lecture 16 use of it 1.Empty it 2.Anticipatory it 3. Introductory it in cleft sentences

  2. 1. Empty it: non-referring it as formal subject • It is meaningless and is chiefly used as formal subject in sentences denoting time, place, distance, and atmospheric conditions. • It’s so quiet and peaceful here. • It’s quite a long way to the nearest town. • It seems as if we’ve known each other for years. • You will catch it for breaking the glasses. • It has fared well with him.

  3. 2. Anticipatory it • commonly occurs in sentences with a nominal clause as subject or object. • It is important to study English grammar. • It was lovely meeting you at last. • It is remarkable that so few of the patients suffered side effects. • It was not known whether there was gold left in the mine.He made it clear that he didn’t want to speak to me. • It was said he was innocent. • It is believed the rebels are about to attack the capital.

  4. Whether they will come or not doesn’t matter very much. • To be here with you this evening is a great pleasure. • You were so kind to invite us. • He is quite likely to let you down. • I think a good idea would be to get up a petition.

  5. 3. introductory it in cleft sentences Cleft sentence defined • A cleft sentence is an emphatic construction with non-referring it as formal subject. It is so called because it is formed by dividing a single statement into two separate parts each with a verb of its own. The general pattern of a cleft sentence is as follows: • It + be + focal element + that- / who- clause

  6. John gave Mary a handbag at Christmas. • It was at Christmas that John gave Mary a handbag.It might have been at Christmas that John gave Mary a handbag.

  7. Pat released the President’s illness to the reporters at the party last night. • It was Pat who… • It was the president’s illness that… • It was to the reporters that … • It was at the party that… • It was last night that… • ? It was released that Pat …

  8. Pseudo-cleft sentences • A pseudo-cleft sentence is essentially an SVC construction with a what-clause as subject. • What John did was (to) give Mary a handbag. • What John gave Mary was a handbag. • A handbag was what John gave Mary.

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