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WellingtonVictoria Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

You are alright, is that phrase considered to be polite?

I live in New Zealand and I occasionally hear people responding to apology, saying "You are alright". This phrase is used in situations where grace and deep apology is not required such as when your bag accidentally hit someone on a bus.

I have been considering that phrase to be slightly rude and shows the speaker's intention of looking down on the apologizer. I would like to know if the definition of that phrase/ your perception towards that phrase. Also is that a polite phrase?
  

Top answer

I'm a native English speaker in the US. I've never been to NZ, and I've never heard this type of statement before. But there are roughly similar replies here.

— Anonymous

  • I'm a native English speaker in the US.
  • I've never been to NZ, and I've never heard this type of statement before.
  • But there are roughly similar replies here.
  • For example: A: Excuse me.
  • B: That's all right.
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3 Answers
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I'm a native English speaker in the US. I've never been to NZ, and I've never heard this type of statement before. But there are roughly similar replies here. For example:

A: Excuse me.
B: That's all right.

C: Excuse me.
D: That's okay.

E: Excuse me.
F: You're excused. (This can be considered a little abrupt, but it can also be considered a playful
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WellingtonVictoria I live in New Zealand and I occasionally hear people responding to apology, saying "You are alright". This phrase is used in situations where grace and deep apology is not required such as when your bag accidentally hit someone on a bus.I have been considering that phrase to be slightly rude and shows the speaker's intention of looking down on the apolo
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Thank you for responding to my question Emotion: smile
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