[Grammar] It

[Arthur Schopenhauer]

What is the "it" role in sentence below?


"When writers and academics stay away from countries in protest at human rights violations, it is the people who lose out"

 

[MikeNewYork]

In that use "it" is a dummy subject. The real clause is "the people lose out".

 

[Rover_KE]

Arthur, please note that a better title would have been It is the people who lose out.

 

[Arthur Schopenhauer]

In that use "it" is a dummy subject. The real clause is "the people lose out".

In fact, I know the real clause is "the people lose out". I don't know why it use "it is the people who lose out" instead "the people lose out" ?

 

[Arthur Schopenhauer]

Arthur, please note that a better title would have been It is the people who lose out.

In this case, It is truer grammatical to be used the "It is the people who lose out"

 

[Rover_KE]

I don't understand that remark. My point was that 'It' is useless as a thread title.

 

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Hello, Mr. Schopenhauer:

1. "When concerned people stay away from oppressive countries, the people lose out."

2. "When concerned people stay away from oppressive countries, it is the people who lose out."

Just a thought, not the "answer."

Is it possible that #2 is a shorter version of:

3. "When concerned people stay away from oppressive countries, it is the people, not the oppressive governments, that lose out."

 

[Arthur Schopenhauer]

I don't understand that remark. My point was that 'It' is useless as a thread title.

Now I understand what you mean. I perceive why expressions is difference.

 

[Osbri]

I think "who lose out" can also be an appositive phrase for "it".

 

[MikeNewYork]

How could that be?

 

[Osbri]

Look at what I said in https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/232714-It-is-because?p=1199829#post1199829.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I don't buy it here either.

 

[Osbri]

I will just let you think what you want to think but before you do, put "who lose out" where "it" is at and tell me what you think.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I think it does not create an appositive.

 

[Osbri]

What do you mean? and Why?

 

[MikeNewYork]

You are beginning to remind me of a recently departed member.

 

[Rover_KE]

The OP's question has been answered and the thread has run its course. I'm closing it.