There and it are two subjects you can use to practice B2 grammar. Exercises that you can do with other people, clear rules, and explanations to help you get better quickly.
‘There’ and ‘It’: Preparatory Subjects Exercises
We often use “there” and “it” as subjects to start a sentence in English. This means they come at the start of a sentence, and the real subject comes after that. These structures help sentences sound more natural and balanced, especially in formal or written English.
Using “There” as a Subject for Preparation
We use “there” to talk about the existence or presence of something. The real subject is usually after the verb.
Structure:
There + be + noun phrase
Examples:
- There is a problem with the system.
- There are many students in the classroom.
- There has been a delay in the project.
The real subject is “a problem,” “many students,” and “a delay.”
Main Points:
- The verb agrees with the real subject:
- There is a book.
- There are two books.
- Common with:
- Numbers: There are three options.
- Indefinite nouns: There is a solution.
- New information: There’s something you should know.
Using “It” as a Subject of Preparation
When the real subject is a clause (which is often long or complicated), we use “it.” This makes the sentence easier to read and understand.
Structure:
It + be + adjective/noun + (that/to-clause)
Examples:
- It is important to study regularly.
- It was surprising that he left early.
- It is difficult to solve this problem.
The real subject is the clause:
- to study regularly
- that he left early
- to solve this problem
Main Points:
- Common with adjectives like:
important, necessary, clear, obvious, difficult - Frequently used in formal writing and speaking.
- Makes sentences less heavy at the beginning.
