2

The original sentence:

We set out to explore how it is that we can all live in the same universe yet see reality so differently.

The compared sentence:

We set out to explore how we can all live in the same universe yet see reality so differently.

Source

I would like to know the meaning and usage of the phrase "how it is that". In particular, I would like to know:

A:

What is the difference in meaning between these two sentences?

B:

What is a possible answer to that how-clause?

Because of how, an adjective is chosen.

I guess...

It is amazing...?

C:

Is "how it is that" considered as a standard pattern?

D:

Are there other usages of that pattern?

such as

"It also showed me how it is to be a student."

Improve this question
4
  • Just a note: Try to keep questions focused on just one single question. In this case, even though you numbered four different questions, they kind of "count" as all being part of one question about one phrase, but just a reminder for the future.
    – Andy Bonner
    Commented Apr 12, 2022 at 16:21
  • Or should I use other symbols? A, B, C and D? I thought using some identifiers would be easier for discussion.
    – Stats Cruncher
    Commented Apr 12, 2022 at 21:20
  • 1
    @StatsCruncher Don't worry about the numbering. There's a rule here that you can only ask one question at a time. Andy Bonner and I both consider this to be one question with four different aspects that you have smartly identified you'd like to be covered in a satisfying answer. Others, however, will just see a list of questions and vote to close it (one already has). I have slightly reworded your question to make it clearer that it's one question so hopefully fewer people with vote to close it. Also, if it's voted closed, just make a trivial edit and request it to be reopened. I'll reopen it.
    – gotube ♦
    Commented Apr 12, 2022 at 21:39
  • I see. Thanks for your explanations, @gotube
    – Stats Cruncher
    Commented Apr 12, 2022 at 22:20

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

Question 1: The expression ... how it is that we can all live in the same universe... acknowledges that we do live in the same universe though we see reality differently. Using it is that... means that the speaker believes that what follows is true.

The expression ... how we can all live in the same universe, though we see reality so differently. could mean that the speaker believes we may not be able to live in the same universe (metaphorically), and is looking for ways to correct that. How to do it? That is a possible interpretation, but the sentence as given could mean the same as the other version.

Question 2: For explore how it is that, something longer and more explanatory than amazing would likely follow.
Without it is that, and seeing how as asking for a means, it might want something like by being considerate of each others' points of view.

Question 3: Yes, that is a normal way to assert that the speaker believes what follows is a fact.

Question 4:
There can be other uses of the same pattern, but the example you propose isn't the same, since it doesn't introduce a clause saying that anything is a fact. In your example, the how is referring to a general description of the experience of being a student.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .