Expletive sentences are constructions that begin with phrases like "it is," "there is," or "there are." These phrases often serve to introduce the subject of the sentence in a roundabout way, which can lead to wordiness and a lack of clarity. In academic writing, clarity and conciseness are paramount, making the use of expletive sentences generally undesirable.

What Are Expletive Sentences?

Expletive sentences typically follow the pattern of "it + be-verb" or "there + be-verb." For example:

• "It is important to note that..."
• "There are many factors that contribute to..."

While these constructions can sometimes be useful for emphasis or stylistic reasons, they often result in unnecessary wordiness and can obscure the main subject and action of a sentence1.

Why Should Expletive Sentences Be Avoided?

1. Wordiness: Expletive constructions add extra words without adding meaning. This can make sentences longer and more cumbersome than necessary.
   • Example: "It is the governor who signs or vetoes bills."
   • Concise Version: "The governor signs or vetoes bills."
2. Lack of Clarity: Expletive sentences can obscure the main subject and action, making it harder for readers to understand the key points.
   • Example: "There are several reasons why this study is important."
   • Concise Version: "This study is important for several reasons."
3. Weak Emphasis: While expletive constructions can be used for emphasis, they often weaken the impact of the sentence by burying the main point.
   • Example: "It is crucial that we address this issue immediately."
   • Concise Version: "We must address this issue immediately."

Examples of Expletive Sentences and How to Avoid Them

Here are some common expletive constructions and ways to revise them for clarity and conciseness:

1. "It is" Constructions:
   • Wordy: "It is essential to understand the context."
   • Concise: "Understanding the context [add more context (words) by stating why, how, etc.]."
2. "There is/are" Constructions:
   • Wordy: "There are many challenges that we face."
   • Concise: "We face many challenges."
3. "It was" Constructions:
   • Wordy: "It was her dedication that led to success."
   • Concise: "Her dedication led to success."
4. "There was" Constructions:
   • Wordy: "There was a significant increase in sales."
   • Concise: "Sales increased significantly."

Strategies to Avoid Expletive Sentences

1. Identify the Main Subject and Action: Focus on the main subject and action of the sentence. This helps to eliminate unnecessary introductory phrases.
   • Example: "It is the responsibility of the manager to ensure compliance."
   • Revised: "The manager must ensure compliance."
2. Use Active Voice: Active voice often eliminates the need for expletive constructions and makes sentences more direct.
   • Example: "There are several methods that can be used."
   • Revised: "Several methods can be used."
   • Revised (better): “[Agent] uses several methods to…” - Avoid the passive voice. See also, Active vs. passive voice: A Writer's guide to clarity and impact.
3. Combine Sentences: Sometimes, combining sentences can help to eliminate expletive constructions and improve flow.
   • Example: "It is important to note that the results were significant. There were no errors found."
   • Revised: "The results were significant, and no errors were found."