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"Ok, Captain, I am following your orders". Would that be likely to be used in the cabin on an aeroplane by the stwewardess when talking to the Captain? Any other suggestions?

Taiwandave · Accepted Answer

If you are looking for realistic dialogue, I would say that this sounds stilted. What's it for?

Guest · Answer

Could anyone say that in a more realistic way?

Taiwandave · Answer

Actually, I regret saying that it sounds stilted. To make that kind of judgement, I'd really have to see the complete context in which it appears.

There isn't anything wrong with it.

Miriam · Answer

Perhaps I watch too many films, but would the following be a suitable context (at least to some extent) for the utterance Maj posted?

Let's suppose there is a bomb somewhere in the plane. The Captain is in the cabin, and the stewardess is somewhere else in the plane, where the bomb is. They are talking on the radio, or using a mobile phone or something. The Captain is telling the stewardess what to do in order to deactivatre the bomb, and the stewardess is paying close attention to him and doing as he says. Every once in a while, perhaps each time she has performed a new action, she might say: "Ok, Captain. I'm following your orders."

Now I know why I can't get a job in Hollywood! Did that make any sense?
I agree with Dave that it sounds stilted, but then I can't forget that, where I live, I'm not exposed to "real" English 24 hours a day, so my opinions might not count much in this respect. Anyway, would such a situation be possible at all... even if only in bad film? ~chuckles~

Miriam

Maj · Answer

Miriam, you are brilliant! Doesn't your boyfriend ever say that to you?

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