| Element | FORM/USE: 'IT' + 'BE' + ADJECTIVE + INFINITIVE, HEDGING, EMPHASIS |
|---|---|
| SuperCat | MODALITY |
| SubCat | adjectives |
| Lexical Range | N/A |
| Level | B1 |
| Cando | Can use 'it' + 'be' + adjective + 'to' + infinitive, to make an assertion more or less direct. |
| Corrected Learner Example | Our sales department staff are heavily involved in several international projects, so it is necessary to improve their foreign language skills. (Germany; B1 THRESHOLD; 2006; German; Pass) But sometimes it's essential to do what your parents want you to do. (Georgia (Republic of); B1 THRESHOLD; 2008; Georgian; Pass) In the centre of town it is possible to do more activities after school. (Italy; B1 THRESHOLD; 2008; German; Pass) [talking about a computer problem] It was impossible to install the system. (Ecuador; B2 VANTAGE; 2009; Spanish - Latin American; Pass) |
| Uncorrected Learner Example | It seems clear to me that swimming is good for the whole body. (B2 VANTAGE; 1993; Swedish; Pass) It is obvious that some people prefer reading books. (Poland; B2 VANTAGE; 2008; Polish; Pass) It is possible that we can be educated by TV. (Japan; B2 VANTAGE; 2004; Japanese; Pass) It seems obvious that it is not necessary. (Switzerland; B2 VANTAGE; 2008; French; Pass) |
| Comments | This structure avoids the use of a personal subject + modal verb, therefore making the assertion less direct, e.g. 'it's essential to do what your parents want' vs 'you have to do what your parents want'. There is a tendency to use 'It is possible/necessary to' instead of a modal verb - this could be due to L1 transfer. |
