As if they do

Question

HiWhen I first saw this sentence used by a native speaker I thought there was a typo. But then I ran into it again. It was something like this:People do talk about others as if they do.Is the phrase natural English? What does it mean?Thanks,Tom

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Mr. TomIs the phrase natural English?

It is possible.

Mr. TomWhat does it mean?Thanks,

It is nonsense alone. The only way I can make sense of it is to suppose that "they do" refers to something that the others do that was mentioned earlier, but I can't think of an example.

CalifJim · Answer

Mr. Tomas if they do

This is a reference to a previous claim that they don't (do something or other).

Mumm mentioned the other day that bonus points do not come into play in finals. That's very true, but the Waratahs still need to play as if they do.
If consumers don't know what is really going on, why do so many talk about fairtrade as if they do?
The play doesn't actually require the actors to skate, although theatrical magic makes it appear as if they do.

And the reverse pattern, where they do something, but act as if they don't, is also possible.

Of course, all the other personal pronouns are also available for use in the same formula: as if I do, as if you don't, as if she does, etc.

CJ

As if they do

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