Extraposed Clause
Pattern
It + be + Adj/NP + that/to-clause — delayed subject construction
Definition
A clause moved from its canonical subject position to the end of the sentence, with a dummy 'it' filling the subject slot. Used to manage information weight and delay complex information.
Examples
Example 1
It is important to note that the results are preliminary.
Classic AI construction — dummy "it" subject with extraposed that-clause. The real subject is delayed.
Example 2
It was surprising how quickly the situation deteriorated.
Extraposed wh-clause — the surprise is foregrounded, the content backgrounded
Example 3
It remains to be seen whether the policy will succeed.
Extraposed whether-clause — creates suspense by delaying the uncertain proposition
AI Detection Note
One of the most common AI constructions. 'It is important to...', 'It is worth noting that...', 'It is clear that...' — these extraposed constructions are a hallmark of AI prose because they allow hedged assertions without committing to a specific agent.
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