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Nice and tall
to take transit
May 21, 2006 09:05
17 yrs ago
English term

And it's growing.

Non-PRO English Other Other
The Greater Golden Horseshoe is one of the most important regions in Canada – economically and culturally. With Toronto at its centre, this region stretches around Lake Ontario from Niagara Falls to Peterborough. It is home to more than eight million people. And it’s growing.

I'd be thankful if could explain whether 'And it's growing.' is used for the region or the population.
Responses
3 +4 population
4 +1 The region

Discussion

Trudy Peters May 21, 2006:
I think population size is implied, but the way it's written, it definitely refers to the region.
Dave Calderhead May 21, 2006:
With Jack about poor writing - regions develop while populations grow
Jack Doughty May 21, 2006:
This is a different "it" in a different sentence, referring to "population growth". I'm sure the logic of my answer is correct, but it could be that the author of this did mean "population growth". But if so, it's badly written.
Sanjiv Sadan (X) (asker) May 21, 2006:
Here is the next line which starts with a new para. Population growth is welcome – it brings jobs, opportunities and innovative new ideas.

Are you still sure that it is referring to the region?

Responses

+4
1 hr
Selected

population

I hate to go head-to-head with Jack on this one, but I believe this particular "it" refers to the population. I live in Ontario, and know that this region, from Niagara Falls to Peterborough, covers quite a lot of ground. It needs population; compared to regions similar in terms of economic importance in the US or Europe, our Golden Horseshoe is sparsely populated.
IOW, there's lots of land in Canada. But not that many people.
Peer comment(s):
agree Peter Shortall : I think "it's growing" means "it's growing in terms of population size" here, which is arguably a little sloppy, but the surrounding context seems to suggest this to me.
25 mins
exactly
agree Alison Jenner : That's how I read it too - and agree with Peter's comment
41 mins
me too
agree Asghar Bhatti
1 hr
thanks
agree Alfa Trans (X)
1 day 4 hrs
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thanks to both of you for your great and wonderful help."
+1
11 mins

The region

After "It is home to more than eight million people", "And it's..." must be another "it" referring to the same thing, the region. "It's" could not refer to people here. If the people themselves were growing, they would be becoming taller or fatter. If their numbers were growing, this would be specified, and not using the word people: "The population is growing." But it doesn't mean this.
Peer comment(s):
agree Trudy Peters : absolutely!
8 hrs
Thank you.
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