extraposition
C2Technical/Academic
Definition
Meaning
The syntactic process of moving a clause (usually a that-clause, infinitive, or interrogative clause) out of its canonical subject or object position to the end of the sentence, often to improve sentence balance or focus.
In linguistics, the principle of moving a 'heavy' syntactic element to the end of a clause, especially to avoid a lengthy subject or to focus on new information, resulting in a 'dummy' pronoun (e.g., 'it') filling the original position.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A formal term from syntax and generative grammar. In lay terms, it's often explained as moving something 'heavy' to the end. Not to be confused with 'extrapolation', which is a general prediction based on data.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in technical usage. The term is equally used and understood in syntactic theory in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely academic/linguistic.
Frequency
Exclusively used in linguistics and language-related academic writing. Extremely rare outside these contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It + [copula/verb] + adjective/phrase + extraposed clause (e.g., It is obvious that...)Noun + extraposed relative clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in linguistics, syntax, grammar, and language studies journals and textbooks. Example: 'The paper analyses the conditions governing extraposition from noun phrases.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in syntactic theory and computational linguistics for describing sentence structure transformations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The extraposition analysis was widely debated.
- An extraposition rule must be formulated.
American English
- The extraposition analysis was hotly debated.
- An extraposition rule needs to be formulated.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is not used at A2 level.
- This word is not typically learned at B1 level.
- Linguistics students might first encounter the term 'extraposition' when studying complex sentences.
- In the sentence 'It is surprising that she left', the that-clause has undergone extraposition from the subject position.
- Extraposition often makes sentences easier to process by moving long clauses to the end.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as putting the EXTRA information in a POST position (extra + position = extraposition). Imagine a heavy backpack (a long clause) being moved to the end of a line to make standing easier.
Conceptual Metaphor
SENTENCE STRUCTURE IS PHYSICAL BALANCE (moving a 'heavy' element to achieve balance).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'экстраполяция' (extrapolation), which is a mathematical/logical term.
- A descriptive translation might be 'вынос придаточного предложения в конец'.
- There is no single-word direct equivalent in everyday Russian; it's a technical process.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'extraposition' with 'extrapolation'.
- Using it as a general term for 'adding something extra'.
- Attempting to use it in non-linguistic contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'extraposition' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Extraposition is a syntactic term for moving a clause in a sentence. Extrapolation is a general term for estimating something unknown based on known data (e.g., predicting a future trend). They are false friends.
No. It is a technical term from linguistics. However, the *process* of extraposition is used constantly in everyday speech (e.g., saying 'It's good that you're here' instead of the more awkward 'That you're here is good').
The 'dummy it' (or 'expletive it') is the pronoun 'it' that fills the original subject or object position vacated by the extraposed clause, as in 'It is obvious [that he tried]'.
No. Clefting (e.g., 'It was John who left') divides a clause into two parts for focus. Extraposition simply moves a 'heavy' clause to the end to improve sentence rhythm and processing, without necessarily adding contrastive focus.