Politeness 271
Sometimes, singular group words are followed by a plural verb, but some people may consider this to be incorrect: The committee produced a set of rules that were intended to prevent people from abusing the system. (or … a set of rules that was intended …) I found a bunch of keys on the floor. Are they yours?
Politeness
271
Politeness is about keeping good relations with your listener or reader. There are two types of politeness – showing the listener or reader that you value and respect them. – changing or softening what you say so as not to be too direct or forceful. Politeness: showing respect
271a
There are many ways in which we can show that we value and respect our listener or reader. In more formal situations, we are especially careful to use certain polite phrases: [addressing an audience] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr Patrick Murphy … [a waiter in a restaurant] May I take your plate, sir? [a message in a thank-you card] Thank you for your wonderful gift. [asking a stranger for directions] Excuse me, I’m looking for Cathedral Street. Not: Where’s Cathedral Street? In formal contexts when we don’t know people and we want to show respect, we use titles such as Mr + family name, Ms + family name, sir, madam, doctor (Dr), professor (Prof.): [checking out at a hotel reception desk] A: Here’s your credit card, Mr Watts. Have a safe trip. B: Thank you. [at a restaurant] Shall I take your coat, Madam? [emailing a professor that you don’t know] Dear Prof. Kinsella … Not: Hi John … ÚNames and titles: addressing people
Politeness: making what we say less direct 271b When we speak and write, we usually try not to be too direct. There are a number of ways in which we can do this.
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