Use a more descriptive phrase

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 90 views

Rewriting Sentences with Empty Subjects "It" and "There"

Understanding Empty Subjects "It" and "There"

In English grammar, empty subjects "it" and "there" are used to refer to a situation or a condition without specifying a particular subject. However, using these empty subjects can sometimes make sentences unclear or ambiguous. In this article, we will explore how to rewrite sentences that use empty subjects "it" and "there" with more specific and meaningful subjects.

Rewriting Sentence [a]

Original sentence: [a] it was good that you weren't hurt.

Rewritten sentence: [a] I was relieved that you weren't hurt.

In the rewritten sentence, the subject "I" is used instead of the empty subject "it". This makes the sentence more specific and clear, as it is now expressing the speaker's personal feelings and emotions.

Rewriting Sentence [b]

Original sentence: [b] it is hard to think of anything to do.

Rewritten sentence: [b] I'm struggling to come up with any ideas for things to do.

Rewriting Sentence [c]

Original sentence: [c] it puzzles me why she took this job.

Rewritten sentence: [c] I'm still trying to understand why she took this job.

Rewriting Sentence [d]

Original sentence: [d] it has been wonderful.

Rewritten sentence: [d] I've had a wonderful time.

Tips for Rewriting Sentences with Empty Subjects "It" and "There"

Use a specific subject: Instead of using an empty subject, try to use a specific subject that is relevant to the sentence. This will make the sentence more clear and specific.
Use a pronoun: If you can't use a specific subject, try using a pronoun like "I", "you", or "they" to refer to the subject.
Use a more descriptive phrase: If you can't use a specific subject or a pronoun, try using a more descriptive phrase to refer to the subject.
Avoid using empty subjects: Try to avoid using empty subjects "it" and "there" in your writing, as they can make sentences unclear or ambiguous.

Examples of Rewritten Sentences

Here are some more examples of rewritten sentences that use specific subjects instead of empty subjects "it" and "there":

Original sentence: It's a beautiful day. Rewritten sentence: The sun is shining brightly.
Original sentence: There's a lot of work to be done. Rewritten sentence: We have a lot of tasks to complete.
Original sentence: It's a good idea to bring a jacket. Rewritten sentence: I think it's a good idea to bring a jacket.
Original sentence: There's a lot of traffic on the road. Rewritten sentence: The traffic is backed up on the highway.

Conclusion

Rewriting sentences with empty subjects "it" and "there" can make them more clear and specific. By using a specific subject, a pronoun, or a more descriptive phrase, you can avoid ambiguity and make your writing more effective. Remember to use specific subjects, pronouns, and descriptive phrases to refer to the subject, and try to avoid using empty subjects "it" and "there" in your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rewriting Sentences with Empty Subjects "It" and "There"

Q: What are empty subjects "it" and "there"?

A: Empty subjects "it" and "there" are used to refer to a situation or a condition without specifying a particular subject. They are often used in sentences where the subject is not important or is not specified.

Q: Why is it a good idea to rewrite sentences with empty subjects "it" and "there"?

A: Rewriting sentences with empty subjects "it" and "there" can make them more clear and specific. Using a specific subject, a pronoun, or a more descriptive phrase can help to avoid ambiguity and make your writing more effective.

Q: How do I know when to use a specific subject, a pronoun, or a more descriptive phrase?

A: You can use a specific subject when you want to emphasize the subject of the sentence. You can use a pronoun when you want to refer to a subject without specifying it. You can use a more descriptive phrase when you want to add more detail to the sentence.

Q: Can I use empty subjects "it" and "there" in all types of writing?

A: No, it's generally not a good idea to use empty subjects "it" and "there" in formal writing, such as academic or business writing. In these types of writing, it's better to use specific subjects or pronouns to make the writing more clear and specific.

Q: How do I rewrite a sentence with an empty subject "it" or "there"?

A: To rewrite a sentence with an empty subject "it" or "there", try to use a specific subject, a pronoun, or a more descriptive phrase to refer to the subject. For example, if the original sentence is "It's a beautiful day", you could rewrite it as "The sun is shining brightly".

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when rewriting sentences with empty subjects "it" and "there"?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when rewriting sentences with empty subjects "it" and "there" include:

Using empty subjects "it" and "there" in formal writing
Not using a specific subject, pronoun, or more descriptive phrase to refer to the subject
Using vague or ambiguous language
Not considering the audience and purpose of the writing

Q: Can I use empty subjects "it" and "there" in creative writing?

A: Yes, you can use empty subjects "it" and "there" in creative writing, such as fiction or poetry. However, it's still a good idea to use specific subjects or pronouns to make the writing more clear and specific.

Q: How do I know when to use a passive voice or an active voice in a sentence with an empty subject "it" or "there"?

A: You can use a passive voice when you want to emphasize the action or the result of the action, rather than the subject. You can use an active voice when you want to emphasize the subject and the action. For example, if the original sentence is "It was decided that...", you could rewrite it as "The decision was made..." (passive voice) or "We decided..." (active voice).

Q: Can I use empty subjects "it" and "there" in academic writing?

A: No, it's generally not a good idea to use empty subjects "it" and "there" in academic writing. In academic writing, it's better to use specific subjects or pronouns to make the writing more clear and specific.

Conclusion