What Are It-Constructions?

It-constructions are a sophisticated way to structure sentences in English. They use the pronoun it as a placeholder, allowing you to introduce information or an idea without a specific subject.

This makes your writing and speaking sound more formal, objective, and academic. They are very common in reports, news articles, and scientific papers.

Using It for Impersonal Reporting

One of the main uses of It-constructions is to report information impersonally. This means you can share facts or opinions without stating who believes or says them. This is very useful when the source is general knowledge, unknown, or less important than the information itself.

• The most common pattern is It + passive reporting verb + that clause.
• Common reporting verbs include believe, say, report, know, understand, think, consider.

Examples:

• It is believed that the new policy will create many jobs.
• It has been reported that the economy is recovering.
• It is said that renewable energy is the future.

Expressing Opinions and Certainty with It

It-constructions also help you express your opinion, make a judgment, or comment on a situation, often with a degree of certainty or uncertainty. This adds nuance to your statements.

• It + linking verb + adjective + infinitive: This structure expresses a judgment or comment about an action.
  • It is important to consider all options.
  • It seems difficult to implement the changes quickly.
• It + linking verb + adjective + that clause: This structure comments on a situation or fact.
  • It is clear that more research is needed.
  • It seems unlikely that they will agree.
• It + modal + verb + (adjective/noun phrase) + that clause: This structure allows you to speculate or express possibility/probability.
  • It could be argued that the benefits outweigh the risks.
  • It would appear that the problem is more complex.
  • It might be a good idea to review the data.

Common Verbs and Adjectives with It-Constructions

Expanding your vocabulary of verbs and adjectives used with It-constructions will make your C1 English more precise.

• Reporting Verbs (often in passive): believed, reported, said, known, understood, thought, considered, found, argued, claimed, suggested, expected, hoped.
• Linking Verbs: is, seems, appears, would seem, would appear.
• Adjectives: important, necessary, essential, clear, obvious, true, false, likely, unlikely, possible, impossible, reasonable, logical, difficult, easy, strange, surprising, interesting, vital, crucial.

Examples

• It is widely accepted that education is key to success.
• It appears that the project will be completed ahead of schedule.
• It would be unwise to ignore the warnings.
• It is understood that the negotiations are ongoing.
• It seems logical to start with a pilot program.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Confusing Linking Verbs with Reporting Verbs after 'It would'

A common mistake for C1 learners is using reporting verbs like think or believe directly after It would. Remember, It would typically combines with linking verbs like seem or appear to express a polite or tentative opinion.

• ✕ It would think that the proposal is excellent.
• ✓ It would seem that the proposal is excellent.
• ✓ It would appear that the proposal is excellent.

Over-personalizing Statements

Sometimes learners might use I think that... too often in formal contexts. It-constructions provide a more objective alternative.

• ✕ I think that the data supports our conclusion.
• ✓ It is thought that the data supports our conclusion.
• ✓ It is clear that the data supports our conclusion.

Frequently asked questions

Why are It-constructions important for C1 English?

It-constructions are crucial for C1 English because they enable you to communicate with greater formality, objectivity, and academic precision. They are essential for writing essays, reports, and making formal presentations, allowing you to express complex ideas impersonally.

Can I use It-constructions in spoken English?

Yes, It-constructions are used in spoken English, especially in formal discussions, presentations, or when expressing opinions in a more detached or polite way. For example, 'It seems that we have a consensus.'

What is the difference between 'It is said that...' and 'People say that...'?

Both phrases convey similar meaning, but It is said that... is more formal and impersonal. People say that... directly refers to a group of people, while It is said that... focuses on the information itself, making it sound more objective and less like a rumor.

Are there any common verbs that cannot be used with It-constructions?

While many verbs can be used, It-constructions typically involve verbs that express reporting, opinion, or a state of being (linking verbs). Verbs that describe direct actions performed by a specific subject (e.g., run, eat, sing) are not typically used in these impersonal structures.