Dear MrPedantic,

Your explanation is very clear. Now I understand it.

Jiang
Quote Originally Posted by MrPedantic View Post
Hello Jiang,

In reply to your questions:

1. "I wonder if"

= "Perhaps".

2. "Anticipatory It"

In some structures, "It" anticipates a later part of the sentence, e.g.

2a. It's a pity that he couldn't go to the match.
2b. It's a pleasure to do business with you.

I've underlined the parts that "It" anticipates in each sentence.

To understand the meaning of these sentences, we can eliminate "It", and make the underlined part the subject of the verb:

2c. That he couldn't go to the match is a pity.
2d. To do business with you is a pleasure.

Let me know if it's still unclear!

Best wishes,

MrP