2006-07-30 00:59:02 · 17 answers · asked by bookwormaddict 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Because I am afraid if I assume they know it goes without saying...they might misunderstand what I am saying. Sometimes, we just assume someone understands, because it is obvious to us...but it isn't always the case for them. Do you see what I am saying?
2006-07-30 01:05:03 · answer #1 · answered by riverhawthorne 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The common phrase "It goes without saying..." usually refers to something the speaker thinks is obvious, and unnecessary to discuss.
I think your question is a good one, because the phrase is often used to gloss over an important point in an argument when there is actually no evidence for the statement. Dave Barry's blog contains numerous humorous examples.
David Buchsbaum has apparently studied some aspects of this issue. He reports that the average number of words following the phrase "It goes without saying..." in academic Sociology papers is 3,968.51.
I guess it goes without saying... that is a lot of words that apparently didn't need to be said.
2006-07-30 02:28:32 · answer #2 · answered by Leezza 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you have to let people know that it goes without saying, so they know then it actually becomes something that goes without saying, confused i am.
2006-07-30 01:04:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it goes without saying:)
2006-07-30 01:03:30 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you say something goes without saying - but then say it anyhow - what you are really doing is letting the person you are speaking to know that it SHOULD go without saying but that they are far to stupid to realize it.
2006-07-30 02:16:05 · answer #5 · answered by Leesa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would answer you, but it goes without saying.
2006-07-30 01:05:36 · answer #6 · answered by Albert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good one Lisa H!
I think 'it goes without saying' refers to common sense, and not everyone has it!
2006-07-30 03:43:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because some people just don't get it - even the most painfully obvious things, so you say it again for the really stupid or ignorant folk....
2006-07-30 02:04:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right. Why bother. Let it go. You too are smart.
2006-07-30 03:53:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because common sense is not as common as you might think.
2006-07-30 03:49:06 · answer #10 · answered by Fox Paws 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋