In many kinds of English sentences, you will find the word “it” or the word “there” in the subject position. These are usually “impersonal” sentences — sentences where there is no natural subject.
When we write, it's important to use impersonal verbs to sound more objective. Impersonal verbs are verbs that don't refer to a specific person or thing. For example, "it rains" is an impersonal verb. It doesn't refer to anyone in particular.
Using impersonal verbs can help you sound more professional and objective in your writing. It can also help you avoid using biased or judgmental language. If you're not sure whether a verb is impersonal, look it up in a dictionary.
Here are some tips for using impersonal verbs in your writing:
- Use impersonal verbs when you're writing about a general trend or phenomenon. For example, "smog levels are rising in cities around the world."
- Use impersonal verbs when you're writing about something that happened in the past. For example, "overfishing led to the decline of the cod population."
- Use impersonal verbs when you're writing about something that isn't a specific person's responsibility. For example, "many people are unaware of the dangers of overusing antibiotics."
- Use impersonal verbs when you're writing about something that you can't control. For example, "the weather forecast predicts snow for tomorrow."
Conclusion
Remember, using impersonal verbs can help you sound more objective in your writing. If you're not sure whether a verb is impersonal, look it up in a dictionary.