Introductory “it” is a common structure in English that is used to introduce a topic or an idea in a sentence. The purpose of the structure is to delay the subject of the sentence, allowing the speaker or writer to introduce some background information or additional details before revealing the true subject of the sentence.

There are two ways to use introductory “it”: as a subject or as an object.

Introductory “it” as subject:
When “it” is used as a subject, it typically appears at the beginning of the sentence, followed by a form of “to be” (is, was, etc.), and then a complement that describes the actual subject of the sentence. Here are some examples:

It is important to exercise regularly.
It was a beautiful day yesterday.
It seems that I’ve lost my keys.
It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re nervous.
In these examples, “it” is used to delay the subject of the sentence (“exercise regularly,” “a beautiful day,” “I’ve lost my keys,” and “to make mistakes when you’re nervous”), while providing additional context or information.

Introductory “it” as object:
When “it” is used as an object, it typically appears after a verb or a preposition, followed by a clause that describes the actual subject of the sentence. Here are some examples:

I find it difficult to concentrate in a noisy environment.
She made it clear that she wasn’t interested.
He gave it to me for safekeeping.
In these examples, “it” is used to refer to something specific that is being discussed, while the actual subject of the sentence (“to concentrate in a noisy environment,” “that she wasn’t interested,” and “to me for safekeeping”) is introduced later in the sentence.

To summarize, introductory “it” is a common structure in English that is used to introduce a topic or an idea in a sentence. It can be used as a subject or as an object, and its purpose is to delay the subject of the sentence while providing additional context or information.

V + it + that

Why do we love it that others care enough to ask us how we are?

V + it + when/if

The verb is followed by it and a clause beginning with when or if.

Most of the verbs with this pattern indicate how a situation or possible situation makes someone feel or react.

‘Talk about someone who can’t bear it if you have something that you don’t.

Talk about a time you couldn’t believe it when someone gave you a wonderful surprise.

Talk about a time you couldn’t handle it when someone told you something really infuriating.

Do you hate it when people speak really loud? 

How would you like it if you get a taste of your own medicine as a bully?

accept, adore, appreciate, (cannot) bear, (cannot) believe, dislike, (cannot) endure, enjoy, handle, hate, like, loathe, love, (not) mind, prefer, regret, resent, (cannot) stand, (cannot) take, understand, welcome

V + it + to-inf

Consider, feel, deem, reckon, think, find

Do you consider it to be interesting when birds sing?

Do you find it to be entertaining when you see people singing and dancing?

Do you deem it to be disappointing when someone lets you down?

V + it + to + n + that

Break, drum, put 

If you broke it to the troops that you were going to surrender, what would be their reaction?

V + it + to + n + to-inf

Leave and owe

Why do you owe it to your family to do my best for them?

How long do I need to leave it to you to practice this structure?

V + it + as + n/adj + that

Accept, regard, see, take, view

Do you regard it as unfortunate that we are in this current political situation?

V + it + as + n/adj + to-inf

Why do you see it as important to help others?  

V + it + as + n/adj + when/if

Do you regard it as unfortunate when you see others going through difficulties?

V + it + n + that

Would you take it as a compliment that people call you too busy?

V + it + n + to-inf

Do you consider it a challenge to deal with difficult people?

Do you find it a strain to do some tasks?  

V + it + n + when/if

When was the last time you found it a surprise when someone gave you a gift?

V + it + adj + that

Believe, consider, deem, feel, find, imagine, think

When was the last time you found it interesting that someone was going to do something?

 V + it + adj + to-inf

Do you find it interesting to study grammar?

Why do many people find it boring to study grammar?  

V + it + adj + wh

Leave and make

Why shouldn’t we leave it unclear whether we have accepted a responsibility or not?  

V + it + adj + when/if

Consider, find, think

Do you consider it silly when kids make funny noises?