Grammar: "IT"

Usage of "IT"

1) In the first case "IT" refers back to something already mentioned

• He gave me a book - I liked it.

2) In the second case "IT" lookes ahead an dreferss to a clause or phrase that comes after in the sentence. It is a 'preparatory"IT"'.

• It never occurred to me that he would behave so badly.

examples in sentences:

1. For young consumer to understand the difference between an advert and a programme on the television takes until the age of about six. <-> It takes until the age of about six for the young consumer to understand the difference between an advert and a programme on television.
2. Monitoring what their children eat, drink or play with is the responsibility of parents. <-> It is the responsibility of parents to monitor what their children eat, drink or play with.
3. Advertising should be legal if selling is legal. <-> It should be legal to advertise if it is legal to sell. / It should be legal if it is legal.
4. That children are not able to strike a free bargain with advertisers is obvious. <-> It is obvious that children are not able to strike a free bargain with advertisers.
5. To suggest that children can't deal with ads is insulting. <-> It is insulting to suggest that children can't deal with ads.

1. I find it enjoyable working here. <-> I find working here very enjoyable. / Working here is very enjojable.
2. Parents may consider it easier to give in to their children's demands. / Giving in to their children's demands may be considered as being easier by parents
3. We owe it to him that the campaign has been a success. <-> We owe the fact that the cmpaign has been a success to him.

RULE: to owe + 'subject' + 'object' "to owe sth. to sb"