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What does "it" refer to?

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ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms

IN: I speak (in) English | Words 'shave', 'swim', wash', 'drink' in plural form

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#1 (permalink) Mon Aug 14, 2006 12:28 pm What does "it" refer to?

Dear teachers, Please read: I hate it when people are too serious. What does "it" refer to? It = when people are too serious? Coul you tell me the rule in this case? Thanks Quoc

Tung Quoc
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Joined: 13 Aug 2006
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#2 (permalink) Mon Aug 14, 2006 12:48 pm It

Hi Quoc,

You asked:

Quote:

I hate it when people are too serious.

What does "it" refer to?
It = when people are too serious?
Could you tell me the rule in this case?

You could also say:

I hate people being too serious where people being serious is like an object of hate

When you say I hate it when, it you are using the pronoun it to anticipate/expect the next sentence: when people are too serious.

Alan
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IN: I speak (in) English | Words 'shave', 'swim', wash', 'drink' in plural form

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