In grammar, a preparatory subject or anticipatory subject[1][2] is a subject which represents a verb clause later in the sentence. It as a preparatory subject is "commonly used in speech and writing, especially when the subject is longer than the complement and is better placed at the end of the sentence".[3]
Examples
edit- It is fun to play the piano
is equivalent to
- Playing the piano is fun
"It" in the first sentence is a preparatory subject, referring to the clause "to play the piano".[4]
Notes
edit- ^ Novalearn: Anticipatory subject
- ^ Grammar glossary
- ^ "What is the Anticipatory 'It' in English Grammar?".
- ^ English Grammar: It as a preparatory subject
External links
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