B1CEFRGrammar12 min

Introductory it with an adjective and a to-infinitive

Handwashing and everyday hygiene

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Grammar Focus • B1 Level ⏱️ 12 mins

Introductory it with an adjective and a to-infinitive

Master essential sentence patterns for everyday hygiene and clear communication.

📌 How to use this lesson

Teacher

Use this 12-minute interactive guide for B1 grammar practice. Check answers together after learners complete all 12 items.

Learner

Read the 4 easy rules in the cards first. Then complete the 12 practice tasks below in order.

A clean modern illustration showing steps of handwashing with soap foam, water drops, clean hands, bright colors, neo-br
Core Pattern

Sentence Pattern Overview

It + be + adjective + (for + person) + to + verb

Example: "It is easy for children to forget the steps."

📚 The 4 Grammar Rules

01

Rule 1: Stating importance, ease, or usefulness

To say that an action is important, easy, hard, safe or useful, start with it + be + adjective + to + verb. The word "it" has no real meaning of its own because the action is the real subject. Always put "it" at the start of the sentence.

• It is useful to keep a small towel in your bag.

• It is safe to drink this water.

02

Rule 2: Naming the person

To say who does the action, put for + the person right before "to". Never drop the word "for" in front of the person. Keep the order clean and clear.

• It is hard for young children to scrub for a long time.

• It is easy for children to lather soap on both hands.

03

Rule 3: Using negative words

A negative word can go in two places: not after be makes the adjective negative, and not before to makes the action negative. Choose the right spot for "not" depending on what you mean.

• It is silly not to dry your hands after you rinse them.

• It is not difficult to learn the steps.

04

Rule 4: Verb form rules

After the adjective, always use to + base verb. Never use an "-ing" form after the adjective. The verb after "to" has no extra "-s" ending.

• It is necessary to rinse the soap off well.

• It is easy to forget the steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Incorrect:

"Is safe to drink..." (missing "it")

"It is necessary washing..." (using -ing)

✅ Correct:

"It is safe to drink..."

"It is necessary to wash..."

✏️ Practice Tasks (12 Questions)

Tasks 1 - 12
Task 1 • Choose the correct sentence (start)

Select the correctly written sentence:

____ a. Is safe to clear away the virus with soap. ____ b. It is safe to clear away the virus with soap. ____ c. It is safe clear away the virus with soap.
Task 2 • Choose the correct sentence (verb)

Select the correctly written sentence:

____ a. It is important lathering your hands for twenty seconds. ____ b. It is important lather your hands for twenty seconds. ____ c. It is important to lather your hands for twenty seconds.
Task 3 • Choose the correct sentence (person)

Select the correctly written sentence:

____ a. It is difficult for children to clean every fingernail. ____ b. It is difficult children to clean every fingernail. ____ c. It is difficult to children to clean every fingernail.
Task 4 • Rewrite the sentence (pattern)

Rewrite the sentence so that it starts with It and keep the same meaning:

"To clean under your thumb is necessary."
____ (Type your sentence here...)
Task 5 • Rewrite the sentence (order)

Rewrite the sentence so that it starts with It and keep the same meaning:

"To create rich foam is easy for everyone."
____ (Type your sentence here...)
Task 6 • Rewrite the sentence (beginning)

Rewrite the sentence so that it starts with It and keep the same meaning:

"To avoid illness is better for your family."
____ (Type your sentence here...)
Task 7 • Fill the gap (negative)

Complete the sentence using the correct form of the verb in brackets:

It is wise ____ direct contact with dirty surfaces. (make)
Task 8 • Fill the gap (action)

Complete the sentence using the correct form of the verb in brackets:

It is useful for doctors ____ their tools thoroughly. (disinfect)
Task 9 • Fill the gap (infinitive)

Complete the sentence using the correct form of the verb in brackets:

It is hard ____ all dirt off without soap. (wash)
Task 10 • Correct the error (subject)

Read this message to a friend and rewrite the sentence correctly:

💬 "Is silly to skip washing your hands after eating."
____ (Type full corrected sentence...)
Task 11 • Correct the error (form)

Read this message to a friend and rewrite the sentence correctly:

💬 "It is useful to cleaning the tap for a thorough wash."
____ (Type full corrected sentence...)
Task 12 • Correct the error (link)

Read this message to a friend and rewrite the sentence correctly:

💬 "It is important clean your hands before touching food."
____ (Type full corrected sentence...)

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