Definition & Meaning of "dummy pronoun"

What is a "dummy pronoun"?

A dummy pronoun is a pronoun used in a sentence that does not refer to a specific person or thing but serves a grammatical purpose. The most common dummy pronoun in English is "it," which is often used to introduce sentences or clauses without a clear subject. For example, in the sentence "It is raining," the dummy pronoun "it" does not refer to anything specific; instead, it acts as a placeholder. Another example is "There are many people in the room," where "there" serves a similar function. Understanding dummy pronouns is important for recognizing how they help structure sentences and convey meaning, even when no specific subject is present.