Unit 9

Question 1

Speaking

Answer 1

• Describe the difference between “there” and “it” and the situations we may use one over the other.
• “There” and “It” are both prepositions, what does that mean?

Question 2

Grammar

Answer 2

“It” and “there” can both be used as dummy subjects – dummy subjects can be used when we need to use a subject when there is no subject attached to a verb and where the real subject is somewhere else in the clause. The 2 dummy subjects in English are “there” and “it”.

It: We normally use “it” as a dummy subject with adjectives and their components.

There: “There” functions as a dummy subject in the construction there is or there are.

There is/are implies that something or someone exists or is in a specific place or situation.

Question 3

There is / are indicates that something or someone exists or is in a particular place or situation:

Answer 3

• There’s a woman waiting outside who wants to talk to you.

Question 4

We often use it as a dummy subject with adjectives and their complements:

Answer 4

• It’s important to wear a helmet whenever you do any dangerous sport.