Dummy Pronouns

 Definition

A dummy or expletive pronoun is a word only used to help a sentence to function properly in a grammatical context where the dummy pronoun doesn't refer to an antecedent ( noun, phrase, clause) like a normal pronoun does.

The dummy pronouns are:

• There
• It

Using there as a dummy pronoun

The dummy pronoun 'there'  may be included in a sentence to discuss or give explanation about the existence of something (an event, an animal, a person etc.). Mainly when it is connected with the linking verb 'be'. For example:

• To introduce an event

There will be a stage show at the National Theatre.

• To show the number of animals

There are four cats by the door.

In these examples, we notice that the pronoun 'there' pays our attention to the existence of something ( the existence of a stage show and four cats).

Using the expletive pronoun there as singular or plural

It is possible to use the dummy pronoun 'there' to build up a singular or a plural form of the pair (verb/noun). The usage of 'there' in the singular context requires that the pair (verb/noun) has a singular ending while using the pronoun 'there' in the plural context necessitates that the pair (verb/noun) has a plural ending.

Example

1. There is a lion in the cage.
2. There is a famous singer on the stage.

In these examples, we notice that the verb 'is' and the nouns 'lion/singer' have a singular form ; as result , the dummy pronoun 'there' is used in the singular context.

1. There are three English teachers in my school.
2. There were many reasons to change his location.

In these examples, the verbs 'are/were' and the nouns ' English teachers/reasons' have a plural form, so that the dummy pronoun 'there' is used in the plural context.

Note: the word 'there' can also be used as an adverb. For example:

1. The book is on the table.
2. The book is there.
3. There is a book on the table.

In the example (2), the word 'there' took the place of a prepositional phrase 'on the table'. It functions as an adverb that modifies the verb 'is' to show where the place of the book is. By contrary, in the example (3) , the pronoun 'there' is the subject of the sentence which discusses that the book exists.

Using it as a dummy pronoun

The expletive pronoun 'it' is used in different situations to discuss or give explanation about something such like date, time, distance, weather etc. For example:

• Introducing a date

It is Anna's birthday.

• Introducing a time

It is 7 o'clock.

• Introducing a weather

It is raining.

In these examples, the pronoun 'it' discusses different things including date, time , and weather.

Notes:

• The dummy pronoun 'it' is only used in the singular context; that is , it should be used with the singular form of the pair (verb/noun).
• The dummy pronoun can function as the object in a sentence as well. For instance: 

1. She is sick, so she can't do it.
2. Take it!

• These examples include a dummy pronouns used as the object of the verbs (is/take) where they refer to nothing, so that, in academic writing , this kind of expression should be avoided to make the sentences more concise.

Exercises

Exercise (1)

What is the function of a dummy pronoun?

1. Used to refer back to an antecedent
2. Help a sentence to function properly in a grammatical context
3. Using to modify a verb
4. None of the above

Which the following is a dummy pronoun?

1. Herself
2. Mine
3. Him
4. Who
5. There

The dummy pronoun 'there' can be used in

1. The singular context
2. The plural context
3. Both singular and plural context

The dummy pronoun 'it' can be used in 

1. The singular context
2. The plural context
3. Both singular and plural context

Exercise (2) 

Identify the sentences including the dummy pronouns , and those including the adverbial 'there' among the following:

1. There is a sad story of an orphan on the TV.
2. She is really happy there.
3. She met her brother there.
4. Tomorrow, there will be a lecture about the culture diversity in Britain at our university.
5. It seems that the English teacher has not enough experience to build up a clear methodology to teach English.
6. It is too late to show a disappointment now. 

Answer key

Exercise (1)

2

5

3

1

Exercise (2)

Dummy pronouns: 1, 4, 5, 6

Adverbial there: 2, 3