0
HUBLOT Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

I couldn't believe it when...

Hi teachers,



What does the "it" underlined above mean?
  

Top answer

HUBLOT What does the "it" underlined above mean? It hardly means anything. It's a place holder vaguely meaning 'the situation' or 'what is/was happening' in reference to the following when -clause.

— CalifJim

  • HUBLOT What does the "it" underlined above mean?
  • It hardly means anything.
  • It's a place holder vaguely meaning 'the situation' or 'what is/was happening' in reference to the following when -clause.
  • This vacuous "it" is used between certain verbs and when -clauses.
  • I love it when ...
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
HUBLOTWhat does the "it" underlined above mean?
It hardly means anything. It's a place holder vaguely meaning 'the situation' or 'what is/was happening' in reference to the following when-clause. This vacuous "it" is used between certain verbs and when-clauses.

I love it when ...
I like it when ...
I hate it when ...
I can'
0
0
Thank you, CJ.

I'd appreciate it if you could...

This "it" as well?
0
0
HUBLOTThis "it" as well?
Yup! That's another one. This one has "if" and "would" ('d) instead of "when". The ones with "if" are also commonly used.
0

Related Questions