Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
English sentences prefer 'heavy' or long information at the end to make them easier to read and understand.
- Move long subjects to the end using 'It' as a placeholder: 'It is clear that he lied.'
- Place longer objects after shorter ones: 'I gave the book to the girl with the red hat.'
- Avoid 'top-heavy' sentences where the subject is much longer than the verb phrase.
Overview
it を使うことがあるのでしょうか？ ネイティブスピーカーが To study is important ではなく It is important to study と言うのを耳にしたことはありませんか？ これはただの偶然ではありません。End-Weight Principle（文末重心の原則） と呼ばれる秘密のルールなのです。Word Order Rules
Subject + Verb + Object（主語＋動詞＋目的語）のパターンに従います。 これが言語の基本です。 しかし、End-Weight Principle はここに面白いひねりを加えます。It や There のような「形式的な」主語を使います。 これらの言葉はこの文脈では実質的な意味を持ちません。文のバランスを保つためのプレースホルダー（置き場所）にすぎません。That you are here makes me happy（あなたがここにいることは私を幸せにする）と言う代わりに、It makes me happy that you are here と言います。 こちらの方がずっとスムーズだと思いませんか？ 重い食料品をダッシュボードではなく、車のトランクに積むようなものです。It is + [形容詞] + [to不定詞] です。 これは意見を言う時の必勝法です。There is や There are を使うことです。 短い There is で始めることで、聞き手に次に何が来るかの説明を受ける心の準備をさせる時間を一秒与えることができます。How This Grammar Works
It のような一単語は非常に軽いです。to travel around the world with my best friends（親友と世界中を旅すること）のような句は非常に重いです。 重い部分を最後に置くことで、英語の自然なリズムに従うことになります。 下り坂のようなもので、楽に始まり、勢いが増していきます。It is sunny today（今日は晴れです）と書いてあるかもしれません。It という単語は、文をスムーズに始めるのを助けるためにそこにあります。 Sunny today とだけ言うと不完全な文になります。 The weather today is sunny と言うと正しいですが、少し長くなります。It is sunny は重さと速さの完璧なバランスなのです。 これは、オンラインでの食事の注文、友達とのゲーム、あるいは単なる挨拶など、ほぼすべての状況で役立ちます。 話し方がバランスよく、落ち着いて聞こえるようになります。
Formation Pattern
It または There を使います。It は通常意見や事実に使い、There は何かが存在することを言う時に使います。
is、was、makes）と、必要に応じて短い形容詞や名詞を続けます。
Conjugation Table
| Form | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- |
| It is + 形容詞 + to不定詞 | It is fun to play games. |
ゲームをするのは楽しいです。 |
| It is + 形容詞 + that節 | It is clear that he likes you. |
彼があなたを好きなのは明らかです。 |
| There is/are + 名詞 + 詳細 | There is a cat on the sofa. |
ソファーに猫がいます。 |
| It + 動詞 + 目的語 + that節 | It makes me sad that you are leaving. |
あなたが行ってしまうのは悲しいです。 |
Pattern Variations
It is のパターンが最も一般的ですが、日常生活で End-Weight Principle が現れる方法は他にもいくつかあります。 例えば、seems や appears（〜のようだ）のような動詞と一緒に使うことができます。 That they are lost appears likely と言う代わりに、It appears likely that they are lost（彼らが迷子になった可能性が高いようだ）と言います。bothers：困らせる、surprises：驚かせる）と一緒に使うこともできます。 It surprises me that you don't like pizza!（あなたがピザを嫌いなのは驚きだ！）は、That you don't like pizza surprises me! よりもずっと良いです。Politeness Levels
- Casual
It's cool you're coming.（TikTokやWhatsAppに最適）
- Informal
It is nice to meet you.（新しい友達に会う時の標準）
- Formal
It is requested that all guests arrive early.（公式メールやZoom会議で使用）
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: 映画について友達にメッセージを送る
Alex
It was so boring to watch that film.Sam
Really? I thought it was okay.Alex
Nah, it is better to just watch YouTube trailers.Scenario 2: カフェにて
Server
There is a free table over there by the window.Customer
Great! It is nice to have some sunlight.Scenario 3: Zoomでの就職面接
Interviewer
It is important for us to find someone who loves teamwork.Candidate
I agree. It is clear that collaboration is key here.
Memory Trick
あなたの文を シーソー だと想像してください。 最初に重いゾウを置き、最後に小さなネズミを置くと、シーソーは動かなくなります！ シーソーを動かして楽しむには、文頭に小さなネズミ（It / There）を置き、文末に重いゾウ（長い句）を置きます。 これで、あなたの文はスイングできるようになります！
Common Mistakes
To learn a new language like English is very hard. (✗)
It is very hard to learn a new language like English. (✓)
Is good to see you. (✗)
It is good to see you. (✓)
It is my friend who is coming. (✗)
My friend is coming. (✓)
The fact that the weather is bad makes me sad. (✗)
It makes me sad that the weather is bad. (✓)
Progressive Practice
シンプルな文を書き換えることから始めましょう：To swim is fun → It is fun to swim.
詳細を加えましょう：It is fun to swim in the ocean with friends.
There is を使ってみましょう：A big dog is in my garden → There is a big dog in my garden.
自分に挑戦：It makes me... that... を使って映画の感想を作ってみましょう。
Quick FAQ
長い部分を最初に置くのは常に間違いですか？
いいえ、文法的に「間違い」ではありませんが、非常にフォーマル、あるいは詩的に聞こえます。友達と普通に話す時は、少し変に聞こえます。
なぜ「重さ」と呼ぶのですか？
長い句は脳が処理するのに「重く」感じるからです。最後に置くことで、大きな情報が入る前に脳を一瞬休ませることができるのです！
Extraposition Structure
| Dummy Subject | Verb/Adjective | Real (Heavy) Subject |
|---|---|---|
|
It
|
is important
|
that you listen.
|
|
It
|
is strange
|
whether he comes or not.
|
|
It
|
bothered me
|
that she forgot.
|
|
It
|
seems
|
that we are lost.
|
|
It
|
is fun
|
to play games.
|
Meanings
The End-Weight Principle is a stylistic tendency in English where longer, more complex structures (phrases or clauses) are placed at the end of a sentence to improve processing and flow.
Extraposition of Subject
Moving a long clausal subject to the end and replacing it with 'it'.
“It is important that you arrive on time.”
“It bothered me that she didn't call.”
Dative Shift / Object Ordering
Ordering direct and indirect objects so the longer one comes last.
“I sent a letter to my cousin who lives in Australia.”
“She gave the man who was waiting outside a small gift.”
Heavy NP Shift
Moving a very long direct object to the end of the sentence, after an adverbial.
“He confessed to the priest all the sins he had committed over the years.”
“She explained to the students the importance of the upcoming exam.”
Reference Table
| 原則 | 不自然な例 | より自然な例 |
|---|---|---|
|
情報の流れ
|
That she decided to quit her job and travel the world was surprising.
|
It was surprising that she decided to quit her job and travel the world.
|
|
複雑な主語
|
A detailed report outlining the financial implications of the new policy was submitted.
|
A detailed report was submitted, outlining the financial implications of the new policy.
|
|
新しい情報
|
His new car, which he bought last week with his bonus, is red.
|
His new car is red, which he bought last week with his bonus.
|
|
長い節
|
To finish the challenging project before the deadline was their main goal.
|
Their main goal was to finish the challenging project before the deadline.
|
|
明確さとリズム
|
The reason for the delay, because of unexpected technical issues, was announced.
|
The reason for the delay was announced, because of unexpected technical issues.
|
|
フォーマルな書き方
|
That the government must address climate change is imperative.
|
It is imperative that the government must address climate change.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
It is a pleasure that you have joined us today. (Welcoming someone)
It's great that you came. (Welcoming someone)
Good you're here! (Welcoming someone)
Glad you made it, fam. (Welcoming someone)
文末重心の原則：流れのマップ
「重い」とは？
- 長い句 複雑な複数の単語のグループ
- 新しい情報 聞き手がまだ知らない詳細
- 複雑な節 独自の主語と動詞を持つ節
利点
- 明確さ 理解しやすい
- 自然な流れ ネイティブのようにスムーズに聞こえる
- 強調 重要な詳細を際立たせる
適用方法
- 「It」を使う 「It is important that...」
- 並べ替え 長い要素を最後に移動させる
- 受動態 行為者の句に役立つことがある
文末重心：Before & After
文末重心の適用：決定フロー
あなたの文はぎこちなく、読みにくく感じますか？
文は長く、複雑な、または新しい情報で始まっていますか？
「It is...」または「It was...」を使って文を始め、本来の主語や節を後に置くことができますか？
説明的な節や句が主動詞や主語を中断していますか？
文末重心を優先すべき時
明確さ優先
- • 複雑なアイデアの導入
- • 簡単な理解の確保
- • 曖昧さの回避
文体的な洗練
- • フォーマルな文章（エッセイ、レポート）
- • プロフェッショナルなプレゼンテーション
- • ネイティブのような響き
特定の構造
- • 長い「that」節
- • 主語としての不定詞句
- • 広範な関係節
レベル別の例文
It is good to see you.
It is good to see you.
It is hot in the sun.
It is hot in the sun.
It is time to go home.
It is time to go home.
It is easy to cook pasta.
It is easy to cook pasta.
It is important to drink water.
It is important to drink water.
It is difficult to learn Chinese.
It is difficult to learn Chinese.
I gave the book to my teacher.
I gave the book to my teacher.
It is nice that you called me.
It is nice that you called me.
It is clear that he doesn't know the answer.
It is clear that he doesn't know the answer.
It doesn't matter if we are late.
It doesn't matter if we are late.
I sent an email to the manager of the store.
I sent an email to the manager of the store.
It is possible that the flight will be delayed.
It is possible that the flight will be delayed.
It is highly probable that the interest rates will rise next month.
It is highly probable that the interest rates will rise next month.
It bothered Sarah that her brother never helped with the chores.
It bothered Sarah that her brother never helped with the chores.
The professor explained to the class the complex theories of quantum physics.
The professor explained to the class the complex theories of quantum physics.
It remains to be seen whether the new policy will be effective.
It remains to be seen whether the new policy will be effective.
It is a matter of some urgency that we address the structural deficits in our current budget.
It is a matter of some urgency that we address the structural deficits in our current budget.
He attributed to his upbringing his remarkable ability to remain calm under pressure.
He attributed to his upbringing his remarkable ability to remain calm under pressure.
It is often argued by sociologists that urban sprawl contributes significantly to social isolation.
It is often argued by sociologists that urban sprawl contributes significantly to social isolation.
It makes no difference to the outcome whether you choose to participate or not.
It makes no difference to the outcome whether you choose to participate or not.
It is incumbent upon the board of directors to ensure that all safety protocols are strictly adhered to.
It is incumbent upon the board of directors to ensure that all safety protocols are strictly adhered to.
There followed a period of intense negotiation during which both parties made significant concessions.
There followed a period of intense negotiation during which both parties made significant concessions.
It was with great reluctance that the prime minister finally agreed to the terms of the treaty.
It was with great reluctance that the prime minister finally agreed to the terms of the treaty.
I leave to your discretion the decision of how best to allocate these limited resources.
I leave to your discretion the decision of how best to allocate these limited resources.
間違えやすい
Both use 'It is...' at the start. Learners often confuse moving a whole clause (End-Weight) with focusing on one specific word (Cleft).
Learners might use 'There is' when they should use 'It is'.
Both are used to move information around in a sentence.
よくある間違い
To swim is fun.
It is fun to swim.
Is important to go.
It is important to go.
That you are here is good.
It is good that you are here.
I like very much pizza.
I like pizza very much.
I gave to him the book.
I gave him the book.
That she is late is a problem.
It is a problem that she is late.
Is true he left?
Is it true that he left?
Whether he will come is not known.
It is not known whether he will come.
I explained the problem to the man who was standing by the door.
I explained to the man who was standing by the door the problem.
It was surprising his reaction.
His reaction was surprising. / It was surprising that he reacted that way.
That the results were manipulated by the researchers was revealed.
It was revealed that the results were manipulated by the researchers.
I mentioned to him the fact that I was leaving.
I mentioned the fact that I was leaving to him.
It is important for to go.
It is important to go.
文型パターン
It is ___ to ___.
It is ___ that ___.
It ___ me that ___.
It remains to be seen whether ___.
Real World Usage
It is widely accepted that climate change is driven by human activity.
It has always been my ambition to lead a creative team.
It's cool that you're coming tonight!
It was reported today that the two companies will merge.
It is our policy to offer a full refund within thirty days.
It's so annoying when the Wi-Fi stops working.
流れに耳を傾けて
前詰めは避けて
「It」をヘルパーとして使う
よりネイティブらしく
「重い」部分を見つける
Smart Tips
Stop and try starting with 'It is...' instead. It will almost always sound more natural.
Use 'It is argued that' or 'It has been suggested that' to introduce sources. It follows end-weight and sounds objective.
Check which one is longer. Put the longer one at the very end.
Always use 'It' as a placeholder if you have a clausal subject.
発音
Dummy 'It' Stress
The word 'It' at the beginning of these sentences is almost never stressed. It is pronounced quickly as /ɪt/.
End-Focus Intonation
The pitch of your voice usually drops at the end of the 'heavy' part, which is where the most important information sits.
The Slide
It is certain that they will ↘️ win.
Conveys certainty and completion of the thought.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Heavy goes Home: Long parts of the sentence want to go 'home' to the end.
視覚的連想
Imagine a seesaw. If a giant (long phrase) sits at the front, the seesaw crashes. If the giant sits at the back, it stays balanced.
Rhyme
If the subject is long and brings a fright, move it to the end and make it right.
Story
A little word named 'It' was a hero. He saw a giant, heavy sentence part trying to climb onto the subject's chair. 'It' said, 'I'll sit here for you! You go relax at the end of the sentence.'
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look at a news article. Find three sentences that start with 'It is...' and try to rewrite them with the long part at the beginning. Notice how much harder they are to read!
文化メモ
British English often uses end-weight in formal correspondence to maintain a polite, indirect distance. 'It would be appreciated if...'
In US universities, students are taught to avoid 'wordiness,' but the End-Weight principle is still encouraged to keep the 'action' (the verb) near the start of the sentence.
Legal documents use 'Heavy NP Shift' constantly to ensure that long lists of conditions don't interrupt the main verb of a contract.
The End-Weight principle has been a feature of Germanic languages for over a millennium, evolving as English shifted from a more flexible word order to a strict SVO structure.
会話のきっかけ
Do you think it's important to learn a second language?
Does it bother you when people are late for meetings?
It is often said that money can't buy happiness. Do you agree?
It remains to be seen how AI will change the job market. What's your take?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
最も自然に聞こえる文を選んでください。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
The company decided to delay the launch of the new product, ___ unexpected technical issues.
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesThat he forgot your birthday is sad.
Ordering objects:
___ is important that we finish this project by Friday.
Find and fix the mistake:
Is clear that you are the best candidate.
bothers / that / it / me / is / raining / it
1. To eat healthy is good. 2. That he lied is true. 3. Whether they win is unknown.
Select the formal structure:
It ___ to be seen whether the economy will recover.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesIt was impossible to ignore ___ everyone was saying about the new boss.
That the event was cancelled at the last minute disappointed many attendees.
最も自然に聞こえる文を選んでください。
Translate into English: 'Fue difícil de entender la compleja teoría.'
これらの単語を並べ替えて、一貫性のある文を作りましょう。
文の部品を組み合わせましょう。
He made a surprising announcement ___ to leave the company next month.
A student who had been working on the research project for over a year finally presented their findings.
最適な明確さのために構造化された文はどれですか？
Translate into English: 'Me preocupa que las nuevas reglas sean demasiado estrictas.'
文法的に正しく、自然な響きの文を作りましょう。
文の断片を組み合わせましょう。
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
No, it is not grammatically wrong, but it is stylistically 'heavy.' Native speakers avoid it because it makes the sentence harder to process.
No. In the End-Weight principle, only `It` works as a dummy subject. You cannot say '*This is true that he left.'
Usually no. If the subject is just one or two words (e.g., 'He is nice'), we don't move it. End-weight is for 'heavy' parts.
Typically, any phrase with more than 5-7 words, or any clause starting with `that`, `to`, `whether`, or `if`.
No, it's very common in speaking too! We naturally say 'It's funny that...' rather than 'That... is funny.'
End-weight is about the *length* of the words. End-focus is about putting the *newest* or *most important* info at the end.
It's most common with the verb `to be` and adjectives, or verbs of emotion/perception like `bother`, `seem`, `appear`, and `surprise`.
Because the word `It` doesn't actually refer to anything. It's just a 'placeholder' to keep the subject position filled.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Flexible word order / Subject post-position
Spanish is pro-drop and doesn't use a placeholder like 'it'.
C'est... que / Extraposition
French uses 'Il' or 'Ce' depending on the formality and the following adjective.
Expositions-es
German verb-second (V2) rules make the placement of 'Es' more restricted.
Topic-Comment structure
The most important/heavy part (the verb) is always last in Japanese.
VSO order
The subject naturally follows the verb, so no 'extraposition' is needed.
Topic-prominent structure
Chinese is comfortable with very long 'topics' at the start of a sentence.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
Related Grammar Rules
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do/does/did を使った強調
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あなたが必要なのは... (強調のためのWh-Clefts)
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存在を表す There (There is / There are)
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