Master the use of It in English grammar by understanding how this versatile pronoun functions as a formal subject, formal object, antecedent in relative clauses, and introductory element in complex sentence structures.
What is the Use of It in English Grammar?
The pronoun It serves multiple grammatical functions beyond simply referring to inanimate objects or animals. According to Fowler's distinctions, understanding the exact use of It helps writers avoid common confusion between relative clauses and conjunction clauses, as well as manage formal subjects and objects effectively.
How to Use It with Relative Clauses and Conjunctions
Two constructions, closely allied, but grammatically distinct, are often confused:
- Antecedent 'it' followed by a defining relative clause with 'that' (who, which)
- 'it' followed by a clause in apposition, introduced by the conjunction 'that'
Thus, in the following examples, the Relative clauses are marked R, and the Conjunction clause, C:
- It is money that I want (R).
- It is you that I gave it to (R).
- It is to you that I gave it (C).
- It was a knife that I cut it with (R).
- It was with a knife that I cut it (C).
The confusion ought not to arise, for always with a relative clause, and never with a conjunction, the complement of the main predicate is a noun or the grammatical equivalent of a noun.
How to Use It Followed by an Infinitive Phrase
In sentences featuring It followed by an infinitive phrase, we may analyse It as the formal subject, and the infinitive phrase as the real subject; or we may treat It as the subject, and the infinitive phrase as the real subject; or we may treat It as the subject, and the infinitive phrase as in apposition to It, and hence, an adjunct to the subject:
- It is easy to say so.
- It is hard to believe him.
But in cases like "It is time to go now", the infinitive phrase cannot be treated either as the real subject or as in apposition to It. We must here analyse It as the subject, and the Infinitive as an Adverbial adjunct.
How to Use It as the Formal Object
In sentences where It acts as the formal object:
- I found it difficult to do the work.
- I shall see to it that he does his work.
It is used in a vague sense meaning something, namely. In analysing, we should treat It as the object of the transitive verb or preposition, as the case may be, and regard the Noun Clause or the Infinitive as standing in apposition to it.
Key Takeaways
- The pronoun It can function as an antecedent linked to a defining relative clause or a conjunction clause.
- With relative clauses, the complement of the main predicate is always a noun or its equivalent.
- It often serves as a formal subject or formal object while an infinitive phrase or noun clause acts as the real subject or object.
- In expressions like "It is time to go now," the infinitive functions specifically as an adverbial adjunct.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding of the use of It by writing your answers in the comments below:
- Identify whether "It is money that I want" contains a relative clause or a conjunction clause.
- Explain how It functions in the sentence "I found it difficult to do the work."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a relative clause and a conjunction clause with "It"?
With a relative clause, the complement of the main predicate is always a noun or the grammatical equivalent of a noun, whereas a conjunction clause introduced by 'that' does not have this restriction.
Can an infinitive phrase always be treated as the real subject when following "It"?
No. While infinitive phrases often act as real subjects or appositives (such as "It is easy to say so"), expressions like "It is time to go now" require the infinitive to be analysed as an adverbial adjunct.
How should "It" be analysed when used as a formal object?
It should be treated as the object of a transitive verb or preposition in a vague sense meaning "something, namely," with the accompanying noun clause or infinitive standing in apposition to it.