infinitive clauses with impersonal it


Infinitive clauses with
impersonal it

The expression "It is + adj/noun to" emphasizes information by bringing it to the front of the clause. The subject of an infinitive clause is optionally expressed as for + noun or the accusative pronoun for + pronoun. 
Example
It's difficult
for me
to guess what will happen.
It's hard

to know when a rat will get loose.
It's impossible
for us
to do  this project in 24 hours
It's important

to take a break twice a day.
It's possible
for you
to work on your own project.
It's exciting 
for us
to be  here.
It's likely
for it
to get cold in the laboratory

Infinitive clause as complement
An infinitive clause can be used as subject complement after be and other copular verbs.
·         His goal was to become a well known writer.
·         Your duty is to finish the work in time.
Sentences like these can also be written with an introductory it.
·         It was his goal to become a well known writer.
·         It is your duty to finish the work in time.
Infinitive as object
An infinitive clause can be used as the object of a verb.
·         I want to go.
·         I would like to have cornflakes for breakfast.
Here is a list of common verbs that can be followed by infinitives.
Afford, agree, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, beg, begin, care, choose, consent, continue, dare, decide, expect, fail, forget, happen, hate, help, hope, intend, learn, like, love, manage, mean, neglect, offer, prefer, prepare, pretend, promise, propose, refuse, regret, seem, start, trouble, try, want and wish
·         decided to quit smoking.
·         I I forgot to post the letter.
·         I managed to do it.








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