Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Dear teachers!!

Language is a great force of socialization, probably the greatest that exists. By this is meant not merely the obvious fact that significant social intercourse is hardly possible without language but (*)that the mere fact of a common speech serves as a particularly potent symbol of the social solidarity of those who speak the language.

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What does (*)that indicate in the passage above? My idea is as follows:

NOT MERELY the obvious fact (1)that significant social ... BUT the obvious fact (2) that the mere fact

Is it right?

Thank you in advance.

[pugachevV]

It indicates also and you use it to avoid repeating the obvious fact so close to the previous incidence of it.

[learner12]

Dear pugachevV:

Thank you again for your help.

Take care and have a nice day.