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Grammar and Linguistics > It before a noun phrase
It before a noun phrase
Choli
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It before a noun phrase
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Some years ago, a teacher trainer corrected a phrase in my assignment. She wrote:
It cannot anticipate a noun phrase.
The mistake in question:
Is it a monkey?
From that moment on I �ve been using this instead of it. Is this a monkey?
But this type of question Is it a + noun appears everywhere, even in textbooks and it �s the most common question when playing games with flashcards.
So, can you confirm that it is wrong?
Thanks in advance.
Hugs
Choli |
24 May 2009
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PhilipR
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I �ve never heard of the alleged rule. In my opinion, �it � can precede a noun phrase, both in questions an statements. The question �Is it a dog? � is definitely correct. Think of a newborn: we ask �Is it a boy or a girl? �, don �t we? Also, �A dog bit me, so I gave it a whack/kick/.... � is correct. Negative statements are possible as well: �I didn �t give it a second thought. � I think you �d better forget this �rule �.
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24 May 2009
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dellcomputer
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it can be used except it is a broad and, at least in the USA "it" when refering to a person or animal is rude, it refers to inaniment objects |
27 Jun 2009
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