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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Polite vs. impolite phrases
Hi,
Since English is just my second language, could you share some thoughts on polite and impolite -- or should I say strong short remarks but not being disrespectful when upset -- phrases to say when in the following situations:
1. Someone bumps you. He notices and pretends nothing happened. Do we usually react and say:
"I'm sorry, you hit me."
"Watch it!" (when upset)
"Mind your way!" (when upset)
2. In a crowded train, someone else's elbow or newspaper touches your body and it is making you uncomfortable. Do we usually react and say:
"I'm sorry, your elbow/newspaper is hitting/touching me," or when upset."
"Mind your elbow/newspaper!" (when upset)
"Watch it!" (when upset)
I know my questions are kind of funny and I don't know if those above are spoken naturally in the English language. I'd just like to learn the right words to say in such or similar situations. Your comments and suggestions are very much welcome.
Since English is just my second language, could you share some thoughts on polite and impolite -- or should I say strong short remarks but not being disrespectful when upset -- phrases to say when in the following situations:
1. Someone bumps you. He notices and pretends nothing happened. Do we usually react and say:
"I'm sorry, you hit me."
"Watch it!" (when upset)
"Mind your way!" (when upset)
2. In a crowded train, someone else's elbow or newspaper touches your body and it is making you uncomfortable. Do we usually react and say:
"I'm sorry, your elbow/newspaper is hitting/touching me," or when upset."
"Mind your elbow/newspaper!" (when upset)
"Watch it!" (when upset)
I know my questions are kind of funny and I don't know if those above are spoken naturally in the English language. I'd just like to learn the right words to say in such or similar situations. Your comments and suggestions are very much welcome.
Top answer
You are bound to get yourself in trouble if you respond in any of those ways. Use these: 1. Someone bumps you.
- You are bound to get yourself in trouble if you respond in any of those ways.
- Use these: 1.
- Someone bumps you.
- He notices and pretends nothing happened: "Excuse me" 2.
- In a crowded train, someone else's elbow or newspaper touches your body and it is making you uncomfortable: "Excuse me"
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4 Answers
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You are bound to get yourself in trouble if you respond in any of those ways. Use these:
1. Someone bumps you. He notices and pretends nothing happened:
"Excuse me"
2. In a crowded train, someone else's elbow or newspaper touches your body and it is making you uncomfortable:
"Excuse me"
1. Someone bumps you. He notices and pretends nothing happened:
"Excuse me"
2. In a crowded train, someone else's elbow or newspaper touches your body and it is making you uncomfortable:
"Excuse me"
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Thanks, Mister Micawber, for your reply.
For situation #1, what about "Be careful,"? Is this impolite to say?
For situation #2, doesn't it sound polite to say, "Could you please mind your elbow/newspaper?"?
For situation #1, what about "Be careful,"? Is this impolite to say?
For situation #2, doesn't it sound polite to say, "Could you please mind your elbow/newspaper?"?
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For situation #1, what about "Be careful,"? Is this impolite to say?-- Yes.
For situation #2, doesn't it sound polite to say, "Could you please mind your elbow/newspaper?"-- No. Crowded trains make such contact inevitable. Merely shift yourself away.
For situation #2, doesn't it sound polite to say, "Could you please mind your elbow/newspaper?"-- No. Crowded trains make such contact inevitable. Merely shift yourself away.
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Okay, I'll do as you advise to keep myself out of trouble. Thank you.
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