1. Writing Tips #2 Use of “is” and/or “it” Created by Katie Bain English Language Fellow 2012-2013

2. Agenda 1. What´s the problem? 2. What are the related rules? 3. Let´s fix the errors!

3. What´s the problem? Due to language transfer, sometimes there is confusion over how to use “is” and “it” together correctly. For example, in Spanish, we can say… ◦ Es posible. But in English, we cannot say… ◦ Is possible. We must say… ◦ It is possible.

4. What´s the problem? In both Spanish and English, there must be a subject and a verb to have a complete sentence. However, in Spanish, it is possible for the subject to be implied, while in English, the subject must be stated (except in the imperative form). In Spanish: ◦ Es posible. The subject is implied, based on the context and the verb form. In English: ◦ It is possible. This sentence must have “it” or another subject in order to be complete.

5. What else is the problem? The ways to combine “it” with “is” can be confusing. For example: ◦ Its – Shows possession  Example: The flower needs water. Its leaves are wilted. ◦ It´s – Combines “it” and “is”  Example: It´s a beautiful day today! (It is a …)

6. Another problem… You cannot use two verbs in a row incorrectly. For example ◦ It´s helps people. ◦ In this sentence, you have two verbs, but you only need one. You have is and helps. Take out the unnecessary verb. ◦ Correct: It helps people.

7. One more problem… Sometimes, adding “it” repeats the subject in a way that is unnecessary and incorrect. For example… ◦ The dog who lives at my neighbor´s house it is very cute. (It is grammatically incorrect to add “it” and repeat the subject here because the subject has not yet taken a verb.) ◦ Correct: The dog who lives at my neighbor´s house is very cute. ◦ Correct: The dog is cute, and it lives at my neighbor´s house.

8. Let´s fix the errors! INCORRECT: Also its notable that the writer is biased. CORRECT:Also it is notable that the writer is biased.

9. Error #2 INCORRECT: Evidence about DDT says isn’t harmful. CORRECT: Evidence about DDT says it isn’t harmful.

10. Error #3 INCORRECT: It’s save lives. CORRECT: It saves lives.

11. Error #4 INCORRECT:The text “DDT vs. Death by Malaria,” written by Cihak, J.R (2004), it’s about the use of DDT. CORRECT: The text “DDT vs. Death by Malaria,” written by Cihak, J.R (2004), is about the use of DDT.

12. Error #5 INCORRECT:Also he expressed that is in favor of the use of DDT. CORRECT: Also he expressed that he is in favor of the use of DDT.

13. Error #6 INCORRECT: Its help to eradicate Malaria. CORRECT: It helps to eradicate Malaria.