Expletive Pronouns - it/ there

Complete the sentence: There __________ a single slice of pizza left in the box.

• is

• are

• be

• were

Answer explanation

The verb 'is' agrees with the singular subject 'a single slice.' The expletive 'There' requires the verb to match the noun that follows it.

Complete the sentence: __________ many fun activities planned for the field trip.

• There is

• It is

• There are

• It are

Answer explanation

Use 'There are' because the subject, 'many fun activities,' is plural. The expletive 'There' introduces the existence of the activities.

True or False: In the sentence 'It is getting chilly outside,' the word 'It' is a placeholder used to talk about the weather.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is a correct use of the expletive pronoun 'it.' It functions as a dummy subject in expressions about weather, time, or temperature.

In which sentence is the word 'there' used as an expletive (a placeholder), not as a word for a location?

• My phone is over there on the charger.

• There is a new Marvel movie coming out soon.

• Let's have our picnic right there.

• Who is that person standing there by the tree?

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'There' is an expletive that introduces the subject 'a new Marvel movie.' In the other options, 'there' is an adverb indicating a specific place.

In which sentence does the word 'it' refer to a specific thing that was mentioned before?

• It is important to finish your homework.

• My dog loves his new toy; it squeaks when he chews it.

• It seems like you're having a good day!

• It is almost time for lunch.

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'it' is a referential pronoun that refers back to the specific noun 'his new toy.' In the other sentences, 'it' is an expletive, or dummy, pronoun.

True or False: The expletive pronouns 'it' and 'there' must always refer to a noun that came earlier in the sentence or paragraph.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Expletive (or dummy) pronouns like 'it' and 'there' do not refer to a previous noun; they are placeholders that fill the subject position in a sentence.

Complete the sentence: In the lost and found box, there __________ a wallet, two keys, and a glove.

• is

• are

• be

• being

Answer explanation

When 'there' is followed by a list of items, the verb usually agrees with the first item in the list. Since 'a wallet' is singular, 'is' is the correct verb.

Complete the question: __________ any spots left on the soccer team?

• Is there

• Are there

• Is it

• Are they

Answer explanation

To form a question with the expletive 'there,' the verb comes first. Since 'spots' is plural, the correct form is 'Are there.'

Which sentence correctly uses the expletive pronoun 'it' to talk about distance?

• The ball is far away, but I can see it.

• It is about two miles from my house to the school.

• It was a long journey.

• Can you believe it took so long?

Answer explanation

The expletive 'it' is used as a dummy subject for statements about distance, such as 'It is two miles.' The other options use 'it' as a referential pronoun or in a different context.

Which sentence correctly states that no cookies are left?

• There is no cookies left.

• There are no cookies left.

• It is not any cookies left.

• There are not a cookie left.

Answer explanation

To make a negative statement about a plural noun ('cookies'), use 'there are no' or 'there aren't any.' 'There is' is for singular nouns.