anticipatory it

English

Examples
  • It is difficult to understand this essay. (To understand this essay is difficult.)
  • I consider it unacceptable that the fare has doubled. (I consider (the fact) that the fare has doubled (to be) unacceptable.)
  • If you're going to keep it, then you need to get this cat spayed. (If you're going to keep this cat, then you need to get it spayed.)

Noun

anticipatory it (plural anticipatory its)

  1. (grammar) The pronoun "it" used as a placeholder for a delayed subject, or, less commonly, object.
    Synonym: preparatory it
    Coordinate term: dummy it

See also

  • postcedent
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