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English politeness explained | Looking at it

Jack Doughty — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 10:08:00 +0000

Forum: Off topic
Topic: English politeness explained
Poster: Jack Doughty
Post title: Looking at it

PM or other minister: We are looking at the problem.

Means: There is not a snowball in hell's chance that we will ever do anything about this,

Foreign thinks: Oh, good, maybe they'll come up with a solution.

English politeness explained | facebook source

Heather McCrae — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Forum: Off topic
Topic: English politeness explained
Poster: Heather McCrae
Post title: facebook source

forgot to mention the source, I found this great group on Facebook, called Grammarly. The entries are hilarious.

Their website, Grammarly.com, has some useful tools.

Spread the news :)

English politeness explained | sorry about the table format

Heather McCrae — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 08:56:00 +0000

Forum: Off topic
Topic: English politeness explained
Poster: Heather McCrae
Post title: sorry about the table format

I really mean it ;)

isn't English wonderful?

The food was wonderful, but I am really full now
= tasted disgusting

English politeness explained | My favourites

Tom in London — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 08:31:00 +0000

Forum: Off topic
Topic: English politeness explained
Poster: Tom in London
Post title: My favourites

"Call in and see us any time" = don't even think of calling in and seeing us, ever.

"You must come over for dinner" = you will never, ever, be invited to dinner at our house.

English politeness explained | this is great!

Kay Denney — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Forum: Off topic
Topic: English politeness explained
Poster: Kay Denney
Post title: this is great!

Click on the link rather than trying to make head nor tail of the copy-paste, since the table format didn't survive it!

English politeness explained

Heather McCrae — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 05:34:00 +0000

Forum: Off topic
Topic: English politeness explained
Poster: Heather McCrae

[url removed]

WHAT THE BRITISH SAY
WHAT THE BRITISH MEAN
WHAT FOREIGNERS UNDERSTAND
I hear what you say
I disagree and do not want to discuss it further
He accepts my point of view
With the greatest respect
You are an idiot
He is listening to me
That's not bad
That's good
That's poor
That is a very brave proposal
You are insane
He thinks I have courage
Quite good
A bit disappointing
Quite good
I would suggest
Do it or be prepared to justify yourself
Think about the idea, but do what you like
Oh, incidentally/ by the way
The primary purpose of our discussion is
That is not very important
I was a bit disappointed that
I am annoyed that
It doesn't really matter
Very interesting
That is clearly nonsense
They are impressed
I'll bear it in mind
I've forgotten it already
They will probably do it
I'm sure it's my fault
It's your fault
Why do they think it was their fault?
You must come for dinner
It's not an invitation, I'm just being polite
I will get an invitation soon
I almost agree
I don't agree at all
He's not far from agreement
I only have a few minor comments
Please rewrite completely
He has found a few typos
Could we consider some other options
I don't like your idea
They have not yet decided