Preparatory 'it' as object

• We use preparatory 'it' as a dummy object when the real object is a long clause or infinitive phrase, particularly after verbs like make, find, consider, owe, and take. This prevents the sentence from becoming clunky and top-heavy.
• Verb phrase
• Dummy object
• Complement
• Real object clause / infinitive
• make it clear that
• it
• clear
• that promotion criteria are transparent
• find it hard to
• it
• hard
• to navigate the corporate hierarchy in Boston
• consider it essential to
• it
• essential
• to reward high performers fairly
• owe it to
• it
• our team
• to establish a robust talent pipeline
• take it for granted that
• it
• for granted
• that every manager understands the framework
• Remember
• Place 'it' directly after the main verb and before the adjective or noun complement.
• Follow the complement with a 'that' clause, a to-infinitive, or a prepositional phrase.
• Use this structure to sound diplomatic, formal, and professional in corporate communications.
• Examples
• Directors in London make it clear that leadership tracks require distinct competencies.
• Consultants in Chicago find it hard to balance billable hours with internal calibration sessions.
• Executives in Seattle consider it essential to maintain a transparent succession pipeline.
• Common mistakes
• We consider essential to promote top talent quickly in our New York office.
• We consider it essential to promote top talent quickly in our New York office.
• She made clear that the job family needed restructuring.
• She made it clear that the job family needed restructuring.

Complete the sentences

• Our partners in Manchester (make clear) ____ the grading structure must evolve.
• Managers in Bristol (find hard) ____ assess specialist tracks objectively.
• Directors in Chicago (consider essential) ____ review every promotion case thoroughly.
• We (owe) ____ to publish clear competency frameworks.
• They (take granted) ____ high-potential employees remain loyal.
• Consultants in Austin (find difficult) ____ design robust career architecture.

Sources: photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels