grammar In linguistics, grammar is the set of rules for how a natural language is structured, as demonstrated by its speakers or writers. Grammar rules may concern the use of clauses, phrases, and words. The term may also refer to the study of such rul ...

, a preparatory subject or anticipatory subject 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".

Examples

:''It is fun to play the piano'' is

equivalent Equivalence or Equivalent may refer to: Arts and entertainment *Album-equivalent unit, a measurement unit in the music industry *Equivalence class (music) *'' Equivalent VIII'', or ''The Bricks'', a minimalist sculpture by Carl Andre *'' Equiva ...

to :''Playing the piano is fun'' "It" in the first sentence is a preparatory subject, referring to the clause "to play the piano".English Grammar: It as a preparatory subject

Notes

External links

English grammar: It as a preparatory subject
Grammar {{syntax-stub