Expressing opinions, feelings or evaluations about actions in English becomes much simpler when you master a specific sentence pattern. This structure combines the pronoun "it" with the verb "be", an adjective, and a verb in the infinitive, creating clear and natural-sounding sentences that native speakers use every day.
What is the it + be + adjective + infinitive structure?
This pattern follows a fixed order that stays consistent regardless of the tense you choose. The formula works like this [0:22]:
- Subject: always "it".
- Verb "be": conjugated in any tense (is, was, isn't, wasn't).
- Adjective: describes the quality of the action.
- Infinitive: the base form of a verb preceded by "to" (to go, to eat, to sleep).
The infinitive is the simplest form of any verb, always introduced by "to." For example: to do, to change, to find [0:30]. Understanding this concept is essential because it appears constantly in everyday English communication.
How do you build sentences with this pattern?
Let's break down real examples to see how the structure works in practice.
How does it work in the present tense?
The sentence "It isn't hard to change a habit" [0:44] shows the pattern in the simple present with a negative form. Here, "it" is the subject, "isn't" is the verb be in the negative, "hard" is the adjective, and "to change" is the infinitive. Another present tense example is "It's difficult to pass the exam" [1:05], where the contraction "it's" keeps the sentence fluid and natural.
How does it work in the past tense?
When you shift to past simple, only the verb be changes. The example "It was good to see you" [1:00] uses "was" instead of "is," while the rest of the structure remains identical. Similarly, "It wasn't easy to find the restaurant" [1:10] demonstrates the negative past form.
Notice that no matter what tense you use, the adjective and the infinitive always keep their position and form [1:15]. This consistency makes the pattern reliable and easy to remember.
Which adjectives are commonly used with the infinitive?
There is a group of adjectives that frequently appear in this structure [1:25]. Some of the most useful ones include:
- Hard: it's hard to wake up early.
- Easy: it was easy to understand the lesson.
- Difficult: it's difficult to learn a new language.
- Good: it was good to hear from you.
- Important: it's important to practice every day.
The key to mastering this pattern is practice and repetition. Try writing your own sentences using different adjectives and infinitives. Change the tense of the verb be to see how the meaning shifts from present to past, from affirmative to negative.
What sentences can you create with this structure? Share your examples and keep practicing for the upcoming interactive quiz.
