2019-04-11 Grammar: demonstratives in discourse

Greg Malivuk
gmalivuk@staffordhouse.com
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk - Notes from all classes
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Homework: p. 337 exercise 2 - Identify the demonstratives and what they refer to in these sentences.
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This is a common structure when making comparisons:
The causes of the American Civil War were not very different from those of other wars.
The composition of baking soda is similar to that of any sodium compound.
Management techniques of American companies now resemble those used in Japan.
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p. 338 - this/that versus “it”
Often, in a new sentence, “this” or “that” refers back to the idea of the previous sentence, while “it” refers back to some specific thing.
	“Don’t leave your laptop in the lobby.”
	*“I’m smarter than it.” (it = laptop)
	“I’m smarter than that.” (that = the mistake of leaving my laptop in the lobby)

Sometimes “that” or “it” could both refer back to the whole idea. “That” means the idea is the most important information in the new sentence. “It” means something else (e.g. the subject or the verb) is themost important thing.

I don’t believe it! = It’s very surprising or unbelievable.
I don’t believe that! = I think you’re lying to me.
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The choice between “this” and “that” can depend on how involved the speaker feels in the situation.
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p. 339 exercise 3 - Complete the sentences with “this” “that” or “it”.
1 this (if I feel like the missing wallet involves me) / that (if I don’t feel like it involves me)
2 it (probably) / that (maybe) / (not “this”, because she hasn’t had her baby yet)
3 it / that / this (maybe - if I also have to spend the day in the office)
4 That (It sounds like Denise isn’t here, so it’s not “this”.)
5 It / This (if we’re in CA on a beautiful day now) / That
6 that
7 it (or “that”)
8 it (not “this”, because it’s about a future possibility, not a present reality)
9 It
10 That
11 That
12 That