The extraposition of the clausal object

With what clause patterns can we do the extraposition of clausal object?

What does the rule of end-weight refer to?

• longer sentences are easier to process than shorter ones

• sentence elements should be placed from least to most important for emphasis

• sentences should end with the heaviest (the longest) element

• subjects and verbs should be separated as much as possible

What realisation(s) of the clausal object can exist without it being extraposed?

• -ing clauses

• to-infinitive clauses

• that clauses

• all three

Which of the following sentences uses 'it' as an anticipatory pronoun?

• I dropped it on the floor and it broke.

• It was exciting to watch the fireworks.

• Give it to me, please.

• She lost it somewhere in the house.

Which element is being extraposed in the sentence?

It was difficult getting five tickets for the concert.

(write 'Subject' or 'Object')

Which element is being extraposed in the sentence?

Could it be that she has forgotten about the meeting?

(write 'Subject' or 'Object')