1. Introductory IT
Gold Advanced Unit 3

2. IT as an introductory SUBJECT

3. We use IT as an introductory subject
to avoid beginning a sentence with an infinitive or –ing form.
IT would probably be unwise to visit Venice in the autumn.
IT’s been lovely having you to stay with us.

4. We use IT as an introductory subject
2. when the subject of a clause is another clause.
IT’s terrible just how many young people are unemployed.

5. We use IT as an introductory subject
3. in other types of sentences
IT’s likely that his plane will be delayed.
IT’s always a relief when the cool change arrives.

6. IT as an introductory OBJECT

7. We use IT as an introductory object
In the structure SUBJECT + VERB + IT + ADJECTIVE + INFINITIVE/CLAUSE.
It is sometimes used as the object of the verbs think, feel, seem, count, consider etc.
I consider it a privilege to have this opportunity of welcoming you. I think it a pity that she could not win. He made it clear what he wanted. I find it difficult to talk to him.

8. We use IT as an introductory object
3. The introductory it is sometimes used in questions.
Who was it that broke the window? It is Peter who broke the window. Why was it that he stole the bread? It was because he was poor that he stole the bread. When was it that the manager came? It was at 10 am that the manager came.

9. Introductory IT in cleft sentences

10. We use introductory IT in cleft sentences
to emphasise a relative clause by dividinng the sentence in two parts -> CLEFT SENTENCES.

11. Examples JULIA GAVE SALLY A BAG FOR HER BIRTHDAY
If you want to emphasise
Julia
It was JULIA who gave Sally a bag for her birthday.
a bag
It was A BAG that Julia gave Sally for her birthday.
Sally
It was SALLY who Julia gave a bag to.
for her birthday
It was FOR HER BIRTHDAY that Julia gave Sally a bag.