does "that" deed ?

[ivygreen]

Please teach me whether "that" need or not in this sentence.

"Is it worth getting that upset over a toy?"

Do you know why "that" in this sentence is used ?

[moggy]

"Is it worth getting upset over a toy?" is suggesting that it's not worth getting upset at all over a toy.
"Is it worth getting that upset over a toy?" suggests the person getting upset is getting too upset given the situation.

[fiona bramble]

"Is it worth getting upset over a toy?" is suggesting that it's not worth getting upset at all over a toy.
"Is it worth getting that upset over a toy?" suggests the person getting upset is getting too upset given the situation.

Moggy is correct about the difference in meaning with or without the "that", so it is really up to you and/or the context to decide if you need the "that".

"That" here is functioning like "so" but also has the form of a demonstrative adjective (yet modifying another adjective!), which makes the situation (upset) specific and realized (someone did get very upset over a specific toy in a certain context and the speaker is a little surprised about it) It is like when you say "that bus" or "that day" you are referring to a specific bus and day.

Without the "that", the situation (and the question) might be hypothetical (the speaker could be just wondering about a general context and possibility)

Hope that doesn't confuse things Moggy's explanation is really enough

Fiona

[ivygreen]

Dear moggy and fiona bramble,


Thank you so much to both of you.

I can understand your explanations well.