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Maria Exam Work etc
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'May I...?' -- 'No, you may not!'. How rude does it sound to you? Could you, please, tell me whether it sounds ruder than answering the same question with these answers: 'No, you can't!' 'No, you mustn't!'. Thank you in advance! :-)Just doing my test exercises... :-)
2013년 2월 8일 오후 4:56
답변 · 14
3
It's generally more polite in English to say something about your own feelings, like "I'd prefer you didn't..." or "I'm afraid I can't..." And if you want to be even more polite, phrase it as a question or suggestion, or add a softening word like "I'm afraid..." or "Sorry, but...". For example: "May I open the window?" "Actually, I'm a little cold - would you mind leaving it shut?" "May I sit here?" "Sorry, but I'm waiting for someone." "May I borrow your pen?" "I have a test soon, would you mind asking someone else?"
2013년 2월 8일
2
This is a fairly difficult question, I think. "No you can't!" is definitely the rudest of the three options, I think. But depending on tone, "No you may not! and "No you mustn't!" could both be valid answers. I think I would select "No, you mustn't!" because it would almsot be received like a plea. With any tone implied by the use of an exclamation point (!) "No you may not!" is probably going to be rude. "No you mustn't!" sounds plaintive and beseeching. I would select that from the listed options.
2013년 2월 8일
1
Devoid of body language, tone etc, "May" is the most polite form. It implies permission. The rest don't. However, in real life, body language and the tone counts even more. Even when using "may", it can be construed as a sarcasm! Smiling sweetly with a box of chocolates in hand and sparkles in your eyes, you asked, "Can I give you a kiss?". This will not be construed as rude or forward. It may be most welcome UNLESS you don't like that person in the first place! The oral speech is only a tiny part in the scheme of effective communication and human nature counts the most!
2013년 2월 9일
If you want to be rude, be more creative, but this may be seamed like a challenge the second part.
2013년 2월 8일
WOW!... I'm UTTERLY impressed by your perfect answer (without any exaggeration!). In fact when I was publishing this question, I had very good arguments to consider 'No, you may not' the rudest answer. Although, when I received comments on this, I thought that I might be wrong, indeed. Without any doubts, your answer is best! Would you like to ponder some more over becoming an Italki teacher with such astounding English skills?... :-) THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
2013년 2월 12일
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Maria Exam Work etc
언어 구사 능력
아랍어(걸프), 중국어(북경어), 영어, 독일어, 일본어, 폴란드어, 러시아어, 스페인어
학습 언어
아랍어(걸프), 중국어(북경어), 영어, 일본어, 폴란드어, 스페인어