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Michelle Cha Posted 4 years ago
Grammar

Can you tell me what the underlined phrase refers to ?

Hi teachers the following text is what I am studying now and I have a couple of question to ask.


< I believe the second decade of this new century is already very different. There are, of course, still millions of people who equate success with money and power?who are determined to never get off that treadmill despite the cost in terms of their well­-being, relationships, and happiness. There are still millions desperately looking for the next promotion, the next million ­dollar payday that they believe will satisfy their longing to feel better about themselves, or silence their dissatisfaction. But both in the West and in emerging economies, there are more people every day who recognize that these are all dead ends?that they are chasing a broken dream. That we cannot find the answer in our current definition of success alone because?as Gertrude Stein once said of Oakland?“There is no there there.”.>


First, I do not know what that treadmill refers to

Second, I do not think 'that' is needed in the sentence. I see is ungrammatical.

Third, I'm not sure what "There is no there there" means


As always many thanks in advance teachers

  

Top answer

Michelle Cha First, I do not know what that treadmill refers to It is a common symbol for the the 9 to 5, the grind—working hard for somebody else and never getting ahead, the way a treadmill gets you nowhere. Michelle Cha Second, I do not think 'that' is needed in the sentence. I see is ungrammatical.

— Anonymous

  • Michelle Cha First, I do not know what that treadmill refers to It is a common symbol for the the 9 to 5, the grind—working hard for somebody else and never getting ahead, the way a treadmill gets you nowhere.
  • Michelle Cha Second, I do not think 'that' is needed in the sentence.
  • I see is ungrammatical.
  • see it as ungrammatical It is perfectly grammatical, and it is necessary to the sense.
  • We all know what treadmill it is, and if she had written "the treadmill", we would not be as sure what she meant.
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3 Answers
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Michelle Cha First, I do not know what that treadmill refers to

It is a common symbol for the the 9 to 5, the grind—working hard for somebody else and never getting ahead, the way a treadmill gets you nowhere.

Michelle ChaSecond, I do not think 'that' is needed in the sentence. I see is ungrammatical.

see it as ung

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Michelle ChaFirst, I do not know what that treadmill refers to

A treadmill is an exercise machine where you walk, jog or run, but never get anywhere.

It is an allegory of a hectic, frantic existence where you work very hard but make no progress.

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Michelle ChaI'm not sure what "There is no there there" means.

It means there is nothing interesting there. It has no special features that give it a unique character.

She might think differently now, but when she lived there, it was supposedly a pretty sleepy town.

CJ

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