'It' and 'there'

'It' and 'there'

'It' and 'there'

English clauses always have a subject (except for the imperative).

Example

• His father has just retired. > He was a teacher.

• I'm waiting for my wife. > She is late.

Imperatives (no subject)

• Go away. (You forbid someone to enter)

• Play it again, please. (You request someone to play it again)

There

If there is no other subject, we use there.

When can we use there?

• Where or when something is

• A number or amount

• Something existing or happening

Where or when something is

• There's an interesting book on the shelf.

• There'll be an eclipse of the moon tonight.

A number or amount

• There is plenty of bread left.

• There were twenty people at the meeting.

Something existing or happening

• There's a small problem.

• There was a nasty fight.

It

We use it to talk about times and dates and the weather.

Example (times and dates)

• It's nearly one o'clock.

• It's my birthday.

Example (the weather)

• It's raining.

• It's a lovely day.

• It was getting cold.

It

We use it with the verb be and an –ing form or to-infinitive to express opinions.

Example

• It's great living here.

• It's nice to meet you.

Poll

___'s very warm in here. Can we open a window?

• It

• There

Poll

OK, let's start the meeting. ___'s a lot to talk about!

• It

• There

Poll

___'s red wine or white. Which would you prefer?

• It

• There

Poll

___'s half past ten. We should go home soon.

• It

• There

Thank you

Goodbye!