In this article, we will explore the usage of the word ‘it’ in the sentence ‘Any living being it chanced upon was devoured completely.’ Specifically, we will address the question of why ‘it’ is necessary and whether it would be correct to omit it and say ‘Any living being chanced upon was devoured completely.’
Understanding the Sentence Structure
The sentence ‘Any living being it chanced upon was devoured completely’ uses a structure in which ‘it’ serves as the subject of the clause ‘it chanced upon.’ This construction is common in English to add emphasis or clarify the subject’s action in a complex sentence. Without ‘it,’ the sentence would still be grammatically correct, but it would lose the nuance of clarity and flow.
Why ‘it’ is Necessary
In this case, ‘it’ is needed because it connects the subject ‘Any living being’ with the action ‘chanced upon.’ The pronoun ‘it’ functions as a placeholder for the subject performing the action of encountering or happening upon the living being. This adds a layer of meaning that would be missed if the sentence were simplified by removing ‘it.’
How Removing ‘It’ Affects the Sentence
If we remove ‘it’ and write ‘Any living being chanced upon was devoured completely,’ the sentence still makes sense but loses some of its precision. The structure becomes less clear, and it may be harder for readers to follow the connection between the living being and the action of encountering it. ‘It’ acts as an essential part of the sentence’s flow, guiding the reader through the sequence of events.
Grammatical Insights on ‘It’ in Complex Sentences
In English grammar, the use of pronouns like ‘it’ helps in creating smoother, more fluid sentences, especially in complex constructions. This use of ‘it’ is common in both spoken and written English when referring to something that is the subject of a previous action, even if that subject isn’t directly mentioned in the same clause.
Conclusion
The inclusion of ‘it’ in the sentence ‘Any living being it chanced upon was devoured completely’ is grammatically correct and important for maintaining clarity in the sentence structure. While the sentence can technically work without ‘it,’ using it enhances readability and understanding. The choice to include or exclude such pronouns depends on the desired level of clarity and emphasis in the communication.
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