dummy – English Grammar Profiler

Unlike normal pronouns, dummy pronouns do not replace a noun, phrase, or clause.
Dummy pronouns are also commonly referred to as expletive pronouns.

In English, you usually need to have a subject before the verb.  Sometimes we use ‘dummy subjects‘ when the ‘real’ subject comes later in a clause.  The two dummy subjects in English are ‘it’ and ‘there’.

Why say “is of interest” instead of “is interesting“? ‘is of + noun‘ is more formal and in academic writing, we use the noun form of a word more often.  More importantly, ‘of+noun’ functions as a noun in this position.  Therefore, it can often collocate correctly with modifiers.  For example:  “greatest interest” is much more […]

BE + of NOUN PHRASE Read More »

In the English Grammar Profile, C1 point 36 in the category of PASSIVES is defined as: ‘it’ as a dummy subject, to summarise or evaluate in discussions, usually in formal or academic writing. This point often overlaps C1 impersonal modal passive reporting. *This might clash with B2. A search of the formal patterns found in the

‘It should be noted that’ (passives to summarise) Read More »

B2 PRONOUN (SUBJECT) EMPTY ‘IT’ dummy ‘it’ with ‘appears’, ‘feels’, ‘looks’ and ‘seems’.

ENGLISH GRAMMAR PROFILE

We use would be to make suggestions when we want to express our opinion or preference about something. For example:

It would be nice to go to the beach today.
It would be great if you could help me with this project.

WOULD + linking verb + adjective (suggestions | imagined situations) Read More »