It is important that a subject either in complete sentences or in dependent clauses is obligatory. There are three forms that the subject position is occupied by.
1. Noun phrases as a subject
a. The repeated subject happens
The weather (it) is cold.
b. The anticipatory “it” is applied.
It is the English grammar book (is) on the table.
The second to be “is” is unnecessary because the first one is enough after the anticipatory.
c. The expletive “there” takes place in subject positions.
There is an economics book (is) on the chair.
The second to be “is” can be deleted because of the first one taking place after the expletive.
2. Noun clauses as subjects
a. The introductory expression is not a formal form in writing.
(It is a fact that) my teacher is handsome is true.
The bracketed expression is not true. But, the common one such as “the fact that” or “that” substituting it is plausible.
b. The introductory expression is omitted.
( ) rice needs much water is accepted by farmers.
The obligatory expression “that” is important.
c. The verb is omitted
That Adam Smith ( ) a great person is undeniable.
The word “is” regarding as to be is needed.
d. The verb does not agree with the noun.
That the problems are difficult to be solved (are) obvious.
The exactly word in the bracket is the word “is.”
3. Noun-repetition of subjects takes place.
a. Non-complementary subjects are given.
Three students (there) should be no fighting.
Here, the word “there” can be deleted because of double subjects.
b. Incomplete main clauses happen.
To face crises in their economies which has been a goal of American ( ).
The main clause still needs the verb phrase like “undergoes lots of barriers.”
c. Two finite verbs are included in the same clause.
There are lots of big problems (are) to be solved.
The second verb in the bracket can be deleted due to double verbs.
References
Baker, C., L. 1989. English Syntax. London: The MIT Press.
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