English grammar
Counter-arguments: what about…?, does…, then?, that doesn't change the fact that, which doesn't mean
Counter an argument: raise what it leaves out, and deny its conclusions.
From the scene And what about…?
In short
Raise a missing point with What about…? Accept a point but deny it proves anything with which doesn't mean…
Your turn
Which one goes with does…, then? (a challenge)?
Options: that doesn't change the fact that they lose their home · does money give them back their friends, then? · what about the neighbours who leave?
Show answer
does…, then? (a challenge) → does money give them back their friends, then?
How it works
What about…? brings up a point the other side left out.
Good to know
A question with a challenging then at the end implies the answer is obviously no: does money give them back their friends, then?
Good to know
That doesn't change the fact that and which doesn't mean (that) accept a point but deny what it's supposed to prove.
what about…? what about the neighbours who leave?
Elena
And what about the neighbours who leave?
¿Y qué me dice de los vecinos que se van?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank)?
Options: does money give them back their friends · that doesn't change the fact that they lose their home · what about the neighbours who leave
Show answer
Elena
And what about the neighbours who leave?
¿Y qué me dice de los vecinos que se van?
does…, then? (a challenge) does money give them back their friends, then?
Elena
Does money give them back their friends, then?
¿Acaso el dinero les devuelve a sus amigos?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank)?
Options: Does money give them back their friends, then · What about the neighbours who leave · That doesn't change the fact that they lose their home
Show answer
Elena
Does money give them back their friends, then?
¿Acaso el dinero les devuelve a sus amigos?
that doesn't change the fact that… that doesn't change the fact that they lose their home
Elena
That doesn't change the fact that they lose their home.
Eso no quita que pierdan su casa.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: Does money give them back their friends, then · That doesn't change the fact that they lose their home · What about the neighbours who leave
Show answer
Elena
That doesn't change the fact that they lose their home.
Eso no quita que pierdan su casa.
which doesn't mean (that)… which doesn't mean it's work for us
Elena
Which doesn't mean it's work for us.
Lo cual no significa que sea trabajo para nosotros.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: Which doesn't mean it's work for us · What about the neighbours who leave · Does money give them back their friends
Show answer
Elena
Which doesn't mean it's work for us.
Lo cual no significa que sea trabajo para nosotros.
have you ever even…? (a challenge) have you ever even climbed them with the shopping?
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| what about…? | what about the neighbours who leave? |
|---|---|
| does…, then? (a challenge) | does money give them back their friends, then? |
| that doesn't change the fact that… | that doesn't change the fact that they lose their home |
| which doesn't mean (that)… | which doesn't mean it's work for us |
| have you ever even…? (a challenge) | have you ever even climbed them with the shopping? |
More lines from the story
- NuriaHe says he loves the neighbourhood, but he lives in posh Pozuelo.Dice que ama el barrio, pero vive en Pozuelo.
- ElenaThen come to my place: third floor, no lift. And then we'll talk about progress.Pues venga a mi casa: tercer piso, sin ascensor. Y luego hablamos de progreso.