主语从句可以按其引导词的不同分为三类:
第一类,用从属连词that引导的主语从句,例如:
That we shall be late is certain.
That the driver could not control his car was obvious.
这种结构主要是对that从句的内容进行强调,属正式文体,连词that不可以省略;但是在一般情况下,往往使用先行it结构,即用it作形式主语,而把that从句放到后面,这时,在口语中,连词that有时则可以省略。所以上述两句可以改为:
It is certain that we shall be late.
It was obvious that the driver could not control his car.
如果整个句子是疑问形式,就只能用先行it结构,例如:
Is it true that he would take the risk?
Is it possible that they will come tomorrow?
常使用先行it结构,用that从句作主语的句子有下列几个句型:
1、It + be + 形容词 + that从句:
It is clear that he was telling the truth.
It's probable that we'll be a little late.
2、It + be + 名词词组 + that从句:
It's a pity that you can't go with us.
3、It + 及物动词 + 宾语 + that从句:
It worried her a bit that her hair was turning grey.
It shocked me that Peter didn't tell anybody where he was.
4、It + be + 过去分词 + that从句:
It is said that he has been there many times.
5、It + seem/happen/appear等不及物动词 + that从句:
It seems that he has lost something.
注意:
在上述第1和第2两种句型中,that从句前置与使用先行it,that从句后置在意义上没有什么差异;但使用先行it结构较为常见。
在第3种句型中,that从句前置在语法上是可能的,但实际上并不常见,通常总是使用先行it结构 .
第4种句型实质上是被动结构,由于that从句不可以位于句首作被动句的主语,所以只能使用先行it结构。
第5种句型已经形成了固定的搭配关系,that从句不能前置,只能使用先行it结构,不过,这种结构可以转换为带有不定式的简单句,例如:
It happened that I had no money with me that day.
→ I happened to have no money with me that day.