that or it?

Question

But like the warrior that I decided to be that day, I kept going, determined to reach the septic tank, even if (it/that?) meant death.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

hi, so what's the answer "it" or "that" i have th same problem myself sometimes. And please explain the answer. Thanks!

Clive · Answer

Hi,

But like the warrior that I decided to be that day, I kept going, determined to reach the septic tank, even if (it/that?) meant death.

so what's the answer "it" or "that" i have th same problem myself sometimes. <<< You have several errors in what you have written here. Perhaps you might like to try to correct them, and repost the sentence. And please explain the answer.

Both are possible.

that means/indicates the thing previously mentioned, which in this case is reaching the septic tank. The word 'that' is a demonstrative pronoun. Here's the underlying idea. Imagine the person saying this sentence and at the same time pointing to (ie demonstrating') the septic tank.

it also means the thing previously mentioned. But the whole idea of indicating / pointing /demonstrating is not so strongly present in the word.

Best wishes, Clive

Marius Hancu · Answer

That's a good one, Clive, I've enjoyed reading it<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Clive · Answer

Thank you,

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

... even if it meant death

would be the most neutral formulation.

CJ

that or it?

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