It Constructions
This word begins many “it” constructions and is followed by adjectives or clauses.
What is 'It'?
This word is used to signal the beginning of a sequence.
What is "first"?
“If I had studied, I would have passed.” is the past unreal form of this sentence.
What is “If I study, I will pass”?
These punctuation marks must surround a nonidentifying clause.
What are commas?
This phrase softens sweeping generalizations.
What is “in most cases”?
"It is strange that the raccoon solved the equation." is an example of this type of sentence.
What is an example of an "it" construction?
This transition often follows “first” in a list.
What is "next"?
“If I had known about the quiz, I would have come to class.” is the past unreal version of this.
What is “If I know about the quiz, I come to class”?
“The student, who lives in a lighthouse, forgot her book.” includes this nonidentifying clause.
What is “who lives in a lighthouse”?
This phrase signals information from an outside source.
What is “according to”?
One reason writers use “it” constructions in academic English.
What is to sound more formal or shift focus from the subject?
This word signals a concluding step.
What is "finally"?
“If the monster had seen us, it would have eaten us.” is the past unreal version of this sentence.
What is “If the monster sees us, it eats us”?
“My uncle, who collects lava lamps, wears a cape.” is an example of this kind of sentence.
What is a sentence with a nonidentifying relative clause?
This phrase suggests uncertainty or nuance.
What is “seem to”?
"It is necessary to alert the Martians." is an example of this.
What is an "it" construction using the word "necessary"?
“First, I opened the trapdoor. Next, I lowered the raccoon.” This is an example of using these words.
What is a sentence using “first” and “next” correctly?
This is one reason why past unreal conditionals are useful in academic writing.
What is to show hypothetical results or regrets?
Nonidentifying clauses add extra information. These clauses, by contrast, restrict the noun’s meaning.
What are identifying clauses?
You want to say most zombie cats avoid sunlight, but you’re not totally sure. Use two academic phrases to make your sentence sound cautious but credible.
What are “in most cases” and “seem to”?
The correct version of: “Was important to warn the astronauts.”
What is “It was important to warn the astronauts”?
Give a complete sentence using “first,” “next,” and “finally” to describe a silly or imaginary process.
What is an example of a full transition sequence?
“If I had fed the zombie parrot, it wouldn’t have screamed.” is a past unreal conditional about this mistake.
What is forgetting to feed the zombie parrot?
“Aliens, who wear suits, are nice.” is the corrected version of this sentence, assuming all aliens wear suits.
What is “Aliens who wear suits are nice”?
You're writing an academic report about haunted vending machines. What three hedging phrases could you use to make your claims sound more careful and supported?
What are “according to,” “in most cases,” and “seem to”?