I would like to know if we leave 'what' any longer?

[Haihao]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #210 "What Comes Next? (4)", question 2

If we leave it any longer, ..........

(a) we'll catch the bus
(b) we'll miss the train
(c) we'll lose the train
(d) we'll loose the bus

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #210 "What Comes Next? (4)", answer 2

If we leave it any longer, we'll miss the train.

Correct answer: (b) we'll miss the train

Your answer was: correct
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Hi,

I would like to know if we leave 'what' any longer? Just out of curiosity.

haihao

[Alan]

Hi,

'it' in this sentence is whatever you want it to be. It completes the expression by acting as a 'slot filler' or what some grammarians call a 'dummy' and here suggests words like delay/time/waiting.

A
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Saneta]

Mr Alan,
a 'slot filler' = a slot that is filled with sth? what does 'a dummy' has to do with it?

many thanks