Odd dummy subject markers

[Charles Doyle]

>From this discussion, it may be a sort of rule we could
formulate:  That the quasi-dummy “it,” as Ron identifies it,
occurs mainly with verbs belonging to a semantic category of
COMMUNICATING or REVEALING (a reason Ron’s example seems a
little odd could be that the verb “feature” only marginally
belongs to the category).  More normal would be:

~In the Bible it avers that dancing is a sin.
~It asserts there that we should make a joyful noise.
~In the New Testament it implies that public prayers are
sinful.
~It said on the radio that a cold-front is coming.
~On the news this morning it reported that DeLay will resign.
~In the minority members’ report it suggested that Bush is a
felon.
~It showed on the Food Channel how to make crepes.
~On her CAT-scan it revealed a tiny tumor.
~In the judge’s decision it never even brought up the
question of a woman’s right to choose.

--Charlie

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