Comments on: How to use the phrase ‘of course’ – it’s not always polite

By: kurye

kurye — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:03:59 +0000

I admire your courage in sharing vulnerable and personal stories.

By: Jayce

Jayce — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:34:46 +0000

In reply to Charlie.

Absolutely! It’s why I clicked onto this site.

When you were young, and a parent reminded you that another adult said “Thank you”….was your response “Of course?” I was taught to say You’re Welcome. WHO IS DIRECTING OTHERWISE? Now, when I hear that 20-something say “of course,” I ask; “Of course…what?” 1) Of course you’re thankful that I served you. OR 2) Of course I’m doing this for you, I have no other choice.

By: rosalind

rosalind — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 18:55:50 +0000

ha… this is why i don’t work in ESL any more….
a true life video here might indicate more adequately how Human Interaction may differ from INTENTION and ATTITUDE speak as loudly as wordy-words.
In my book group (mostly AmerEnglish high education) whenever i explain a point the older fellow will loudly snap, “Of course” and continue on to his own speechifying.
Now i end my own speaking point with the phrase:
.”and now let’s hear from the ‘of coursicans.”

By: Vicki

Vicki — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 14:20:40 +0000

In reply to Lew. It is indeed a bit harsh, but well put. :-)

By: Lew

Lew — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 02:20:54 +0000

A bit harsh and over the top, but when I hear “of course” in answer to my “thank you,” these are the thoughts I impute to the speaker:

“Sigh…..it would be incomprehensible to me, and even to the least of your ilk, to think that anything less than your bended-knee, bootlicking gratitude were appropriate. Truly, it would’ve gone without saying. But there you’ve gone, saying it anyway. I cannot unhear that; the damage is done. You are not welcome.”

By: rosalind martin

rosalind martin — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 22:45:08 +0000

In reply to Vicki.

re the upstandingness of The OED…
the WRITTEN word is completely different from
the SPOKEN word
besides using different internal neural/ brain channels.
besides aural/oral complications of tones.
if you try pronouncing Chinese tone operates the entire meaning …as in the word MA … mother, horse, etc. etc.
ok. your expressions are pretty good.

By: Gary

Gary — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:43:52 +0000

Yes! Thank you David. I have asked a number of young adults about this trending response to my expression of gratitude and they simply don’t get why I am offended by this. I take it as a rejection of my appreciation for their service. Just say “You are welcome”.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 21:09:30 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth. Oh interesting! I think the answer is technically yes, but in this circumstance I think we'd all recognize that he was responding to the thanks as he would a request. Especially when he's been kind wnough to do the dishes! Great question Elizabeth!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:37:41 +0000

When your nephew doing the dishes, you said thank you and he said of course. Will this be impolite use of course?

By: B C Brinson

B C Brinson — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:06:57 +0000

Of coirse usually bugs me because it replaces more appropriate and polite simple words.