Studying English Sentences Sentences with “it” as the subject.

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and has the power to encompass numerous cultures and regions.
Learning English is essential for enhancing global communication skills and can lead to various opportunities. Today, we will explore
the importance of the subject in English sentences and the construction of sentences using “it” as the subject.

1. Basic Structure of English Sentences

The first important element in constructing a sentence is the subject. The subject refers to the entity that performs the action
or represents a state in the sentence and is generally expressed through nouns, pronouns, or similar structures. Since the subject
is a core element of English sentences, selecting and utilizing the correct subject is crucial for making sentences accurate and effective.

1.1 Types of Subjects

Subjects can be broadly categorized into three types:

  • Noun Subject: A subject composed of proper nouns or common nouns. For example, expressions like
    John or the cat.
  • Pronoun Subject: A pronoun that replaces a previously mentioned noun. For example, he, she,
    it, etc.
  • Complex Subject: A compound subject that includes elements other than nouns or pronouns. For example, an expression like
    the fact that he is coming.

2. Sentences Using “it” as the Subject

“It” is a frequently used pronoun in English, primarily used for subjects that may lack clear meaning or refer to specific instructions,
or as a dummy subject. Sentences with “it” as the subject can be utilized in various situations. This construction is primarily used
to express weather, time, distance, or states.

2.1 Role of “it”

“It” can be used as a subject in the following contexts:

  • When expressing weather:
    It is raining. This sentence means “It is raining,” where “it” serves as the subject without specifying the type of rain.
  • When expressing time:
    It is 5 o'clock. Here, “it” indicates a specific time.
  • When expressing distance or location:
    It is two miles to the nearest restaurant. In this case, “it” serves to indicate distance.
  • When expressing states or facts:
    It seems that he is not interested. Here, “it” expresses a general opinion about the situation or fact.

2.2 Dummy Subject and Real Subject

In constructions where “it” is used, concepts of dummy subject and real subject often apply. The dummy subject functions as the
subject of the sentence, while the actual meaningful subject appears elsewhere. For example:

It is important to study English every day.

In the above sentence, “it” serves as the dummy subject, and the meaningful subject “to study English every day” is the real subject.
This structure is effective for maintaining the natural flow of the sentence when the subject is lengthy.

3. Forming Sentences with “it” as the Subject

It is important to know and utilize various structural patterns to create sentences using “it” as the subject. Below are some examples
for clarification.

3.1 Basic Sentence Structure

When using “it” as the subject, the general sentence structure follows the subject-verb-complement pattern. For example:

It is a nice day.

In this sentence, “it” is used as the subject, “is” as the verb, and “a nice day” acts as the complement. It is a simple yet
clear expression.

3.2 Using “it” in Negative and Interrogative Sentences

Sentences with “it” as the subject can also be used in negative forms:

It is not easy to learn a new language.

To convert it into an interrogative sentence:

Is it too late to start studying?

As shown in the example, sentences with “it” as the subject are naturally used in both negative and interrogative forms.

4. Practice Exercises

Sentences that use “it” as the subject can be applied in various ways, so it is important to learn through many examples and exercises.
Here are some practice problems.

  1. Write a sentence using “it” to express the weather.
  2. Make a sentence using “it” to state the time.
  3. Use “it” to explain a distance to a place.
  4. Construct a sentence using “it” to express an opinion or feeling.

5. Conclusion

Using “it” as the subject is a commonly seen structure in English sentences and is grammatically applicable in various contexts.
Mastering the role of the subject and how to use “it” effectively enables richer and more accurate English expressions. Through continued
practice, one can enhance their English skills and enjoy the pleasure of communicating in English on various topics with confidence.