Expletive or Pronoun

Question

I am confused as to what it truly functions as in the following sentence.

It is unfair that Bow was framed.

Towson University indicates that it used in this way would function in a delayed appositive as a pronoun, renaming that Bow was framed; whereas Wikipedia indicates that the word would function as an expletive, i.e., a dummy subject.

Also, is That Bow was framed is unfair grammatically correct? The fact that Bow was framed is a bit wordy for me.

Anyone's input is welcome. Thanks for reading.

Source:
http://www.towson.edu/ows/nouns.htm (bottom of the page)

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

shupkayTowson University indicates that it used in this way would function in a delayed appositive as a pronoun, renaming that Bow was framed; whereas Wikipedia indicates that the word would function as an expletive, i.e., a dummy subject.

They are both saying the same thing, but with different vocabulary. It's called 'expletive it' and also 'dummy it' and probably a few other names as well.

shupkayis That Bow was framed is unfair grammatically correct?

It is correct, but it's not a pattern that is used much compared to its counterpart wherein "it" replaces the that-clause, and the that-clause is moved to the end.

This transformation is also called 'extraposition'.

That he was so late is a shame. (rare)
It............................is a shame that he was so late. (common)

That Mary is missing is very strange. (rare)
It.............................is very strange that Mary is missing. (common)

That Henry lost so much money in the stock market is regrettable. (rare)
It..........................................................................is regrettable that Henry lost so much money in the stock market. (common)

CJ

Shupkay · Answer

Superb answer! Thank you, CJ!

Expletive or Pronoun

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