that of

[mengta]

the most basic concept underlying marketing is that of human needs.
the most basic concept underlying marketing is human needs.

what's the difference between the two sentence?
thanks

the second sentence should be made singular. You cannot use "is" with a plural. If you're going to commit to using "is" then make the concept "is" corresponds to, singular.

"the most basic concept underlying marketing is human need"

It's a perfectly acceptable sentence although it sounds a bit bookish and stiff.

-Nah-

Quite so. Then again, you could say "the most basic concept underlying marketing is that of human need."

So, what's the difference between the two sentence? ;)

[mengta]

so what is "that of" here?
thanks

Originally Posted by Nahualli

the second sentence should be made singular. You cannot use "is" with a plural. If you're going to commit to using "is" then make the concept "is" corresponds to, singular.

"the most basic concept underlying marketing is human need"

It's a perfectly acceptable sentence although it sounds a bit bookish and stiff.

-Nah-

Originally Posted by mengta

so what is "that of" here?
thanks

It's just reinforcing "human needs". That phrasing is pretty basic, there isn't much you can break down.

"My only thought right now is that of dinner"

You could say "My only thought is dinner" but this just intensifies the sentence and places a lot of emphasis on dinner; the object.

-Nah-