Lesson

It...

Using it as a dummy subject

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What does 'It...' mean?

'It' is a very common pronoun with several special uses in English. In business and everyday English you will meet 'it' as a neutral subject, as an anticipatory subject, in cleft sentences, and as a reference to something already mentioned.

  • Dummy subject for weather, time, or general statements: It is raining. It is 3 PM.
  • Anticipatory 'it' before adjectives + to-infinitive or clauses: It's important to plan ahead. It seems that sales will increase.
  • Cleft sentences to emphasize an element: It was Maria who signed the contract.
  • Anaphoric 'it' referring back to a previously mentioned thing: The proposal is online. It needs approval.

Table

Uses of 'It' — Reference

Use Structure Example
Dummy subject (weather/time) It + verb It is raining. / It is 9 AM.
Anticipatory 'it' + adjective + to-infinitive It + be + ADJ + to + verb It is important to arrive early.
Anticipatory 'it' + clause It + verb + that + clause It seems that the shipment is delayed.
Cleft sentence (focus) It + be + X + who/that + clause It was Mark who approved the budget.
Anaphoric 'it' (refers back) It (refers to noun or idea) The contract is signed. It is ready to send.

Tip

Key rule: Match 'it' with singular forms and the right structure

Remember how 'it' is used and which verb forms follow:

  • With dummy 'it' (time/weather), use normal verb forms: It is/was/wasn't raining.
  • With anticipatory 'it' + adjective + to-infinitive, use: It is + ADJ + to + verb (e.g., It is necessary to review).
  • With anticipatory 'it' + clause, use: It + verb + that + clause (e.g., It seems that...).
  • In cleft sentences, use 'It is/was' to focus: It was the manager who confirmed the order.

Think: 'it' usually takes singular verb forms and often introduces a clause or infinitive.

Example

Examples in context

It's important to submit the report by Friday.

It seems that the meeting will be postponed.

It is raining heavily; our site visit is delayed.

It was Sarah who approved the budget.

Tip

Common mistakes learners make

Be aware of typical errors when using 'it':

  • Omitting the verb after 'it' in anticipatory structures: 'It important...' → needs 'is'.
  • Using plural verbs with 'it' (it is, not they are): 'It are' is incorrect.
  • Confusing cleft sentences with normal word order: avoid 'It who approved the budget was Sarah' (wrong order).
  • Translating literally: not every pronoun maps directly to grammatical 'it' — understand the structure.

Check the structure: 'It + be' is common. When in doubt, identify whether 'it' is dummy, anticipatory, cleft, or anaphoric.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: What verb is missing after the subject?

Quiz

Complete: _____ that the meeting can start at 10 AM.

Hint: What phrase expresses an impression or likelihood?

Quiz

Which sentence is a cleft sentence?

Hint: Which sentence emphasizes a specific person or thing?

Key Points

GrammarPoint

anticipatory it

noun CEFR B1 //ænˈtɪsəˌpətəri ɪt//

The use of 'it' as a placeholder subject before adjectives + to-infinitive or clauses.

It's important to check the figures.

GrammarPoint

dummy subject

noun CEFR B1 //ˈdʌmi ˈsʌbdʒɛkt//

A subject like 'it' that has no real meaning but fills the grammatical subject position (common with weather/time).

It is 7 AM. It is snowing outside.

GrammarPoint

cleft sentence

noun CEFR B2 //klɛft ˈsɛntəns//

A sentence that uses 'It + be' to focus attention on one element (often followed by who/that).

It was the CEO who announced the merger.

GrammarPoint

anaphoric it

noun CEFR B1 //ˌænəˈfɔːrɪk ɪt//

'It' used to refer back to a noun or idea already mentioned.

The software is updated. It improves performance.

GrammarPoint

to-infinitive (after 'it is')

grammar CEFR B1 //tuː ˌɪnfɪˈnɪtɪv//

The base form of a verb with 'to' used after adjectives following 'it is' (It is useful to know).

It is necessary to prepare the agenda.

Vocabulary

seem

verb CEFR B1 //siːm//

To give the impression of being; used frequently with anticipatory 'it' (It seems that...).

It seems that the client is satisfied with the proposal.