Grammar Essentials: The Complete Guide

Anticipatory It

In English, anticipatory it is used to introduce a noun phrase that comes later in the sentence. It is often used to create emphasis.

• Example: “It is important to study every day.”
  

Exercises:

1. Rewrite the following sentences using “it”:
   
   • The fact that she failed the exam surprised everyone.
     
   • That he left early was disappointing to his colleagues.
     
2. Choose the correct anticipatory “it” sentence:
   
   • (It is / It was) important that we finish the report by Friday.
     
   • (It is / It was) a pleasure to meet you.
     

Answer Key:

1. It is surprising that she failed the exam.
   It was disappointing that he left early.
   
2. It is important that we finish the report by Friday.
   It was a pleasure to meet you.
   

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