Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Teo]

1. My father doesn't ____. It is not good for his health. (A) exercise (B) smoke
2. My father doesn't ____. That is not good for his health. (A) exercise (B) smoke

Can anyone tell me the correct answers to the above questions?
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Thank you very much for your reply.

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello

[Teo]

In #1, either would be possible, since 'it' can refer back equally naturally to a single noun referent (i.e. smoking) as to an entire nominalized predication (i.e. the fact that he does not exercise).

In #2, however, sense dictates that only (A) would be appropriate, since 'that' would normally refer back to the predication rather than to the single noun.

http://www.englishclub.com/esl-forums/viewtopic.php?p=334243#334243
_________________
Thank you very much for your reply.

[Philo Kevetch]

Thanks for the link.

[Teo]

Dear Philo,
I am poor in English, so I posted my questions on different boards. I hope that you will not feel offended.
http://www.englishforums.com/English/WhatDoesItReferTo/zdqdx/Post.htm
I really appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
Teo Cheng Heong
_________________
Thank you very much for your reply.

[Philo Kevetch]

Teo -Not at all. Thanks for the kind words. Philo

[lotus]

Hi Teo and Philo,

With all due respect, I do not agree with the outside poster's view on the first sentence. I believe only "smoke" would work.

Sometimes, in English, we can only get a "sense" of what the person is trying to say or convey. Subtle nuances would indicate what the person is actually trying to communicate. A single sentence can be construed in different ways. With no other context, I believe the following to be the correct interpretation of the two examples.

My father doesn't smoke. It (smoking) is not good for his health.
My father doesn't exercise. That (not exercising) is not good for his health.

I think the exercise is trying to show that in this case, "it" refers to a specific thing (ie, smoking); whereas, "that" refers to a general condition or state of affairs (ie, not exercising). That's why the inverted sentences sound confusing and do not make sense.


--lotus
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War does not make one great --Yoda

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Lotus -

Your response was, as always, very clear and helpful.

Learning something new about the English language every day is my
favo(u)rite hobby.

Thanks - Philo