Sentence formation doubt

Question

"Topics ranging from politics to business or religious beliefs can trigger this uncivilized conversation, with employees forgetting the importance of civil discourse in arriving at a productive conclusion"

In the above sentence I have the following questions:

1. Why we used "With". Is with work here as a Preposition or something else?

2. What does "in arriving at" here means?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

gray olive 6611. ~~Why we used "With".~~ Why is 'with' used? Is Does 'with' work here as a preposition or something else?

Technically it's a preposition, but here it introduces a participle clause. It's not uncommon to find 'with' in this position.

The factory closed in 1926 with Lionel Martin leaving.
The estimate was $1.3 million, with $500,000 coming from a state grant.
The election was held May 5 with Green losing to Hather by three votes.

gray olive 6612. What does "in arriving at" here ~~means?~~ mean?

To arrive at a conclusion is to come to a conclusion, to reach a conclusion (after discussing a problem, for example).

This phrase is related to the word 'importance'. The pattern is

the importance of (something) in (doing something).

The underlying idea is that (something) is important when (doing something).

Found online:

the importance of papayas in studying allergies
the importance of genes in controlling weight
the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy life
the importance of horses in settling the West
the importance of empathy in judging

Your example is

the importance of civil discourse in arriving at a productive conclusion.

So the underlying idea is that civil discourse is important when [arriving at / coming to / reaching] a production conclusion.

CJ

Sentence formation doubt

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