Gerund and Infinitive

GERUND AND INFINITIVE (PART 3)

A. It + Infinitive

Pattern :

It + be + adjective + to infinitive

Function :

Infinitive can be the subject of a sentence. That is very formal structure. So, in speaking, people or native speakers don't often use infinitive as subject. Speakers usually put them in the middle of an "it" phrase.

Using "it" phrase can make natural speech and expressive.

Example

"To do the right thing is not easy" (too formal)

"It's not easy to do the right thing" (common)

"To learn a new language is helpful" (too formal)