Preparatory subject

In grammar, a preparatory subject or anticipatory subject[1][2] is a subject which represents a verb clause later in the sentence. It as a preparatory subject is "commonly used in speech and writing, especially when the subject is longer than the complement and is better placed at the end of the sentence".[3]

Examples
It is fun to play the piano

is equivalent to

Playing the piano is fun

"It" in the first sentence is a preparatory subject, referring to the clause "to play the piano".[4]

Notes
  1. Novalearn: Anticipatory subject
  2. Grammar glossary
  4. English Grammar: It as a preparatory subject
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