英語ではなぜ主語が必要なの？it と there の基本ルール
In English, almost every sentence needs a subject (S).
This is very different from Japanese.
In Japanese, the subject is often omitted when it is clear from context - e.g. 雨が降っています。
In English, the subject position cannot be empty.
Because of this, English uses ‘dummy subjects’ (‘dummy’ is an adjective that means copy, fake, substitute).
The two most common dummy subjects are it and there.
They are grammatically necessary, but they do not always have real meaning.
Let’s look at why English uses them and how to use them correctly.
1. What Is a Dummy Subject?
A dummy subject is a subject that is used for grammar, not meaning.
It fills the subject position in a sentence.
Examples:
It is raining.
There is a problem.
In these sentences:
“It” does not refer to anything.
“There” does not mean a place.
They are used because English sentences need a subject.
2. Using “It” for Weather
English uses it to talk about weather.
Examples:
It is raining.
It is cold today.
It was windy yesterday.
Important point:
You cannot say:
✘ Is raining today.
English needs a subject, so we use it.
3. Using “It” for Time, Distance, and Situations
“It” is also used to talk about general conditions.
Time
It is 9 o’clock.
It is too late.
Distance
It is far from here.
It is a long walk.
Situations and Conditions
It is difficult to explain.
It is important to be polite.
It is nice to meet you.
In these sentences, “it” does not mean anything specific.
It introduces the situation.
4. Using “There” to Show Existence
“There” is used when something exists or appears.
Examples:
There is a problem.
There are many students here.
There was a mistake in the report.
Structure:
There + be verb + noun
The real information comes after the verb.
5. “There Is / There Are” vs Normal Sentences
Compare these sentences:
A problem exists.
There is a problem.
Both are correct.
However, there is is much more natural in everyday English.
English often uses “there is / there are” to introduce new information.
“There” helps prepare the listener for what comes next.
6. Common Mistakes
These mistakes are very common.
✘ Is raining today.
✔ It is raining today.
✘ Exists a problem.
✔ There is a problem.
✘ In this room are many people.
✔ There are many people in this room.
Why this happens:
Japanese does not require a subject.
English does.
Dummy subjects solve this problem.
7. Practice
Choose the correct answer.
___ very hot today.
A. It is
B. There are
___ three meetings this afternoon.
A. It is
B. There are
___ difficult to explain this rule.
A. It is
B. There is
___ a strange noise outside.
A. It was
B. There was
Conclusion
English sentences need a subject.
When there is no real subject, English uses it and there.
Use it for weather, time, distance, and situations.
Use there to show that something exists.
This is a grammar rule, not vocabulary.
Once you understand it, your English will sound more complete and natural.
Answers
A
B
A
B