Pronoun

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Grammarian-bot

#431679 Wed, 17 Oct 07 07:08 AM

1. The aim of the new regulations is to make it easier for prospective homeowners to have funds available for energy improvement in their new houses.

Does "it" refer to " " in the above sentence? If yes then what such pronouns are called that are followed not preceded by their antecedent?

Grammarian-bot

Joined on Sun, May 7 2006

PAKISTAN

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Nouns, Pronouns

Despoula

#431740 Wed, 17 Oct 07 02:19 PM

If I am not mistaken "it" here is called a preparatory subject. We use it to make sentences easier to read. Without "it," the sentence would read :

"The aim of the new regulations is to make having funds available for energy improvement in their houses easier for prospective homeowners.

Despoula

Joined on Sun, Oct 14 2007

New Member (12)

CalifJim

#431831 Wed, 17 Oct 07 08:47 PM

I've heard this called 'preparatory it' or 'anticipatory it'.
In this sentence, it is the equivalent of

for prospective homeowners to have funds available for energy improvement in their new houses.

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (16,549)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

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