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What is the It is structure? Basic knowledge about the It is structure

The It is structure is one of the structures that can have multiple meanings when used with different English words. Do you fully understand the grammar rules and how to use the It is structure? If you're still confused and unclear about this structure, let’s explore the definition and usage of the It is structure with PREP!

The usage of It is structure
 The usage of It is structure

I. What is It?

It serves as a singular pronoun and a prefix.

  • As a pronoun: It refers to objects or things, encompassing everything except people. For example: It is hot today.

  • As a prefix: It describes something or someone that is very trendy, fashionable, and is favored or desired by many people. For example: The design of this bag makes it the "it-bag" for this summer.

Additionally, when capitalized as IT, it stands for Information Technology.

For example:

  • I did an MSc in computer science and now work in IT. 

  • The main responsibility of the IT department is to keep the company's computers running smoothly. 

What is It?
What is It?

II. What is the It is structure?

The It is structure is a structure commonly used to indicate a state, event, or specific information about an object or situation. What follows It is? It is typically combined with an adjective, a noun, or a noun phrase to form a complete sentence.

For example:

  • It is 11 o’clock, you should go home. 

  • It is important to eat a balanced diet.

What is the It is structure?
What is the It is structure?

III. How to use the It is structure in English

What is the It is structure commonly used for? Let’s explore its uses below!

Uses of the It is structure

Example

Introduce time and place

  • It is 10 o’clock.

  • It is in the living room. 

Describe feelings or states

  • It is hot today. 

  • It is interesting. 

Provide opinions or evaluations

  • It is important to study English. 

  • It is my pleasure to help you. 

Emphasize a person, object, or situation

  • It was Jes who broke the vase. 

  • It is the book that I need. 

IV. Common formulas for the It is structure 

Let’s take a look at the common ways to use the It is structure below!

Common formulas for the It is structure

Example

It is + Adj + to V

It is very refreshing to do exercise in the morning. 

It is + V-ed/3

  • It is expected that the new building project will be completed after 400 construction days. 

  • It is believed that young people are polite. 

It is + time/ location/ weather

It is a quarter to four. 

It is + Noun + that/ who/ which + (S) + V.

It is my mother who encourages me to be strong to get over all of the challenges.

It is too + Adj + (for sb) + to V/ that

It is too high to jump from here. 

It is time + (for sb) + to do sth

It is time + S + V-ed + O

  • It is time to wake up to prepare for the meal. 

  • It is time Mike did the chores. 

Common formulas for the It is structure
Common formulas for the It is structure 

V. Distinguishing It is, It’s, and Its

What are the differences between It is, It’s, and Its? Let’s find out below!

1. Distinguishing between the It is structure and It’s

In fact, It’s is a contraction of It is and is commonly used in spoken English. Its functions and placement are similar to those of It is.

For example:

  • Hello, who is on the phone? It’s Lily. 

  • Where is my book? It’s here. 

2. Distinguishing between the It is structure and Its

Many people mistakenly think Its is a contraction of It is, leading to incorrect usage and expression. In English, It is and Its have completely different meanings and uses.

  • Its is used to indicate possession, serving as the possessive pronoun of It.

  • Meanwhile, the It is structure starts a clause that includes a pronoun and the verb "to be".

For example:

  • It is Singapore where I want to go. 

  • Singapore is famous for its tourist attractions. 

VI. Hypothetical situations using the It is structure

The It is structure is often used in hypothetical situations in English. Typically, a verb, adjective, or clause will follow this structure. In the table below, PREP will show you some common hypothetical sentence structures.

Hypothetical situations using the It is structure

Example

It is said that + S + V + Clause

It is said that Mary is really hard-working. 

It is the first time + S + have/has + P2

It is the first time we have climbed this mountain. 

It is + time + V2

It is time you cleaned the house. 

It is + essential that + S + V

It is essential that she summit her final essay before Thursday. 

It is + believed + that + clause

It is believed that the lost boy is wearing a black shirt.

It to be + adv + S + that + V

It was in that city that I met my boyfriend. 

VII. Exercises for practicing the It is structure with detailed answers

To remember how the It is structure is used and the types of sentences it can form, let’s practice with some exercises below.

Exercise: Rewrite the sentence using the It is structure:

  1. My husband bought a diamond ring for me.

  2. The boy threw the necklace into the fire.

  3. My father has bought a Mercedes.

  4. My friend writes excellent novels.

  5. James started the argument yesterday.

  6. People say that her grandma’s family has a lot of money in her house.

  7. People say that the bus leaves at 11 a.m.

  8. People say that Adam failed the exam last month.

  9. People say that we have eaten Mexican food for 2 months.

  10. People say that Liz is a beautiful woman.

Answer:

  1. It was my husband who bought a diamond ring for me.

  2. It was the boy who threw the necklace into the fire.

  3. It is a Mercedes that my father has bought/ It is my father who has bought a Mercedes.

  4. It is my friend who writes excellent novels.

  5. It was James who started the argument yesterday.

  1. It is said that her grandma’s family has a lot of money in her house.

  2. It is said that the bus leaves at 11 a.m.

  3. It is said that Adam failed the exam last week.

  4. It is said that we have eaten Mexican food for 2 months.

  5. It is said that Liz is a beautiful girl.

The above information shared by PREP covers the It is structure. Additionally, you can explore other common structures to build a strong foundational knowledge of English for both studying and communication. PREP wishes you success!

Master Tu Pham
Master Tu Pham
Founder/CEO at Prep
Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.
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