Same thing?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Arcadian Rises - 08 Feb 2010 01:30 GMT

"Do you mind if I take this seat?"

Two opposite answers that means the same thing:

1. "Sure, you may take it"

2. "Not at all".

Is that so?

Reply to this Message

R H Draney - 08 Feb 2010 02:53 GMT

Arcadian Rises filted:

>"Do you mind if I take this seat?"
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
>Is that so?

"Not at all" is in response to the "Do you mind" part..."Sure" answers the
deep-structure "may I take this seat?"...r

Signature

A pessimist sees the glass as half empty.
An optometrist asks whether you see the glass
more full like this?...or like this?

Reply to this Message

the Omrud - 08 Feb 2010 09:14 GMT

> "Do you mind if I take this seat?"
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Is that so?

Yes. However, (1) doesn't answer the question, but merely gives
permission to use the seat. Think about what your reaction would be if
it were replaced by the one word "Yes".

Signature

David

Reply to this Message

Discussion Groups / English Usage / February 2010

Same thing?