Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

When, one day, computers undertake to translate literary works, it will be the end of literature as we know it.
----->
What does it refer to? I thought deeply about it, but I cannot understand what it indicate.

Thank you in advance.

[pugachevV]

It's an opinion.
Computers can already undertake to translate literature. Generally, they make a real mess of it.

[learner12]

Dear pugachevV :

When, one day, computers undertake to translate literary works, it will be the end of literature as we know it.
----->
It's an opinion.
Computers can already undertake to translate literature. Generally, they make a real mess of it.

Does it mean "an opinion"?

I don't understand why it refers to an opinion. Do I have to read between the sentences?

Thank you in advance.

[pugachevV]

The "it" you are questioning, refers to [b]the time when computers undertake to translate literary works.[/b]
(My apologies I didn't notice you had underlined "it".)

[learner12]

Dear pugachevV:

Thank you so much for your explanation.

Take care and have a nice day!!