Democracy is an aspiration that we have always worked towards with perseverance.

Yes, it sounds OK to me.

I'm not sure that an aspiration is something you can work towards.

I worked towards the aspiration of ... sounds odd to my ear.

I'd substitute goal for aspiration. You can certainly work towards a goal.

CJ

CalifJimI'm not sure that an aspiration is something you can work towards.

I agree. I read it that democracy is the thing you're working towards. Whether that's a strictly logical interpretation of the words is another matter!

So you would prefer something like

Democracy is an aspiration, and we have always worked towards it with perseverance.

(it would refer to "democracy".)

Is that what you're saying? That makes sense, too.

CJ

CalifJimSo you would prefer something like

Democracy is an aspiration, and we have always worked towards it with perseverance.

(it would refer to "democracy".)

Is that what you're saying? That makes sense, too

Well, that would be another way of course, but that's not specifically what I meant. I just meant t

Thanks for all of your replies.

Yes. I meant to say that democracy is something people work towards.

So am I correct that 'that' always refer to the word right before it?

Thank you again

PBF

PeaceblinkfriendSo am I correct that 'that' always refer to the word right before it?

Maybe not "always", but almost always.

Thanks for the follow-up CJ.

Just wondering. '...that..' can only refer to a noun phrase right? I mean it can't be used as a reference to 'democracy is an aspiration' right?

Thank you again

PBF

Peaceblinkfriend it can't be used as a reference to 'democracy is an aspiration'

That's right.

CJ

I see. Thanks CJ.