A dummy pronoun, also called an expletive pronoun or pleonastic pronoun, is a pronoun used for syntax without adding further meaning. An example is the "it" in "it is raining".
Questions tagged [dummy-pronouns]
75 questions
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Are dummy subject and impersonal subject the same?
It is sunny. (impersonal subject)
It is difficult to learn English. (dummy subject or place holder)
In Korea, we learn that dummy subject and impersonal subject are different.
But, I don't think so.
I think that dummy subject and impersonal…
박용현
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The function of "it" in "I hate it when..."
(a) I found it difficult to stop thinking of one little girl.
(b) I hate it when you do that.
Why is it necessary to use "it" in the sample sentences above when the role of the object play (a) gerund, (b) the subordinate clause?
bart-leby
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"There are" with or without additional "there"
When starting a sentence with "there are" is it necessary to put additional "THERE" in the sentence? Like in:
The Snieznik Mountains is situated in the East Sudets. There are a lot of charming forest areas (there), with the richest world of plants…
IGO
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In "It is raining", what does "It" refer to?
If "it" is a noun, what is it? If instead, "it is" is the 3rd person present verb to-be, what is the subject of the sentence? (How is it grammatical to have a sentence consisting only of two verbs in that case?)
user20483
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4 answers
It awaits you to
In the following sentence, what does the "it" refer to? Is it a dummy subject that refers to the infinitival phrase "to test your golfing abilities at a challenging but extremely fun course"?
The crazy golf in Camden has been rebuilt recently and…
Apollyon
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Using the phrase "the fact" rather than dummy "it"
She doesn’t like it when you are so quiet.
Could you use "the fact that" instead of "it" that is used as an empty or dummy subject or object in the bold part?
nima
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"It's an honour to see you": Is it dummy "it"?
"It's an honour to see you."
Is it dummy "it" and is "to see you" a real subject? "To see you is an honour."
Or does "see you" function as an adverb of 'reason'? It's an honour because I see you.
user183853
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Why does English have to use "it", when "it" refers to nothing and has no meaning?
These are the relevant sentences below.
It is raining, It is rainy, sunny, cloudy.
It is difficult for me to understand.
It is easy for you to say.
It is essential that you have some experience.
It is critical that the U.S. is seen as a desirable…
하하호호
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How many meters is it/are there/is there between?
Which one is correct?
1 How many meters is it between this tree and that car?
2 How many meters is there between this tree and that car?
3 How many meters are there between this tree and that car?
user1425
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there is almost nothing / there isn't much left / there aren't many left
Are all answers on the question idiomatic?
I saw the second answer in my English training course, but my version was the first answer. I don't understand why "there isn't much left" is used with countable noun. Is it possible?
Are there many sweets…
Sergei
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"It's quite full up this year." vs "They are quite full up this year."
How do you choose what pronoun to use "It" or "They" if "They" is also used as a gender-free singular? Is there no any logic?
It's quite full up this year.
They are quite full up this year.
Do these sentences have absolutely the same meaning and…
Sergei
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Does anyone has a dog in "their" home
I have read this ELL question and this ELU question but I still don't understand how to use this one:
Does anyone has a dog in their home?
Should I use their or something else?
Bonn
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How do you parse the sentence and what is "it"?
The bulk and weight of coal required in the majority of manufacturing
industries is large in comparison with the bulk and weight of other
raw materials. This is not always true -- as with the manufacture of
pig iron and steel from low-grade…
Charlie
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what does ''it'' refer to in a sentence?
If I see an article advertised, it is the surest proof I know that the article does what is claimed for it, and that it is good value.
What does the word "it" refer to? Is the word "it" a "dummy subject"?
Aung Thu
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