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Taka Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

that

In practical terms: morality is the sum total of the rules which you would respect, even were you invisible and unbeatable.
Is that a lot? Is it a little? That is for you to decide, if you could make yourself invisible would you condemn an innocent man, for example, or betray a friend, would you murder?

What does 'that' refer to?
  

Top answer

Hi, In this context, it refers to whether it is a lot or a little. Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, In this context, it refers to whether it is a lot or a little.
  • Clive
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7 Answers
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Hi,

In this context, it refers to whether it is a lot or a little.

Clive
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OK. Thanks, Clive.

Now, tell me Clive, why is it the comma after 'That is for you to decide'? Souldn't it be a period instead?
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Hi Taka,

My first instinct is a full stop should replace the comma. However, after rereading the passage a few more times, I think whoever wrote that also wanted to continually stress the sense of responsibility or guilt for one’s decision and call for one’s self judgment again. In other words, here is how I read it:

Is that a lot? Is it a little?
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Hi,

I'd put a period after 'decide'. I'd also put 'or' in front of 'would you murder?'

And probably a comma after 'invisible'.

And I'd replace the colon with a comma.

Clive
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So it's his/her style. I see.

Thanks!
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