in these sentence, what does "alternative reality" refers to? Excessive focus on what might have been can cause in us feelings of restlessness and regret,&nbsp;but some scientists are beginning to th

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razor

in these sentence, what does "alternative reality" refers to?

Excessive focus on what might have been can cause in us feelings of restlessness and regret, but some scientists are beginning to think that fancying an alternative reality might have tonic effects as well.

This is actually a Multiple choice from GRE. "tonic" is the answer that standard answer gives. But I am curious.

what does "alternative reality" refers to? It means that the things that might have been done or thing that have been done? As I consider, I think this blank should be filled in some word that have the same meaning of regret.

well, because I think the word "alternative" means another, and it shoudl be opposite to "what might have been"

I would be rather grateful if someone can explain.

May 16, 2016 4:34 AM

Comments · 2

Notice the conjunction “but,” signaling a contrast: contrary to the idea in the first half of the sentence, the second half suggests that fancying an alternate reality (i.e. imagining a different, better version of past events) can have tonic effects — i.e. healing effects, making us feel better.

May 16, 2016

You're right, literally speaking. In this context, "what might have been" and "alternative reality" are used here to refer to the same thing. Perhaps if the author had wanted to be more specific, he or she could have said "alternative past reality".

May 16, 2016