The Versatility of "It"

  


A Teacher's Guide

IT

Unraveling the Versatility of "It" in English Grammar:

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Greetings to all language enthusiasts! Today, we explore the fascinating roles of the versatile pronoun "it" in English grammar. Similar to the spices in a well-crafted Indian curry, "it" enriches our sentences, adding subtle distinctions and layers to communication, making it more expressive and detailed.


1. Referential 'It':

In our linguistic spice bazaar, let's start with the reliable Referential 'It.' Imagine you're introducing our friend Radhika to the conversation. Now, you can comfortably say, "You gave it to Radhika." Here, "it" refers back to Radhika, simplifying our storytelling.

More Examples:

- "I found a book. I gave it to Natasha."

- "The secret? I can't reveal it to anyone."

 

 2. Dummy 'It':

Now, onto the versatile Dummy 'It.' Just like a monsoon rain shower, it's there, but it doesn't carry much meaning on its own. "It was raining" - simple yet effective. Or, when discussing the evergreen topic of weather, "It's really hot in here."

More Examples:

- "It's getting late; we should leave."

- "It feels like a storm is coming. Look at it!"

 

3. Anticipatory 'It':

Anticipatory 'It' is like our trusty assistant, stepping in when a sentence gets too heavy. Picture this: "It is quite clear that farmers are very happy." Here, "it" helps us avoid repeating a lengthy explanation.

More Examples:

- "I find it hard to believe he won the race."

- "It seems we're going to face some challenges."

 

4. Cleft 'It':

Lastly, let's explore Cleft 'It,' our sentence spotlight. "It is Simioni who's gone down." Here, "it" gives Simioni a grand entrance, grabbing attention. Just like saying, "It was ancient history that attracted me."

More Examples:

- "It was the taste of her mom's cooking that won her heart."

- "It's the dedication to his craft that sets Prakash apart."

 

Putting It All Together:

As teachers, we can guide our students to sprinkle "it" strategically in their sentences. Encourage them to experiment with the various forms, making their language more vibrant and engaging.

In our linguistic Masala, "it" is the secret ingredient that binds sentences, adding depth and intrigue. So, as you venture into the world of English grammar, embrace "it" in all its forms, just like the myriad flavors in our rich Indian tapestry.

 

Happy teaching, and may your linguistic curry be ever flavorful!

Stay tuned for more language adventures at ENNglish.in!

 

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KesariSir

MA (Economics), MCOM (Adv. Costing), B.ED, MBA, (Marketing)

Grammar Lover, Learner.