Is it improper grammar to ask your mate, "Honey, CAN you, please...(i.e.,open the door, fix the sink, hand me the towel etc.?)
I'm American, but my mate (from England) says this is improper grammar to ask "CAN YOU" when asking for a favor.
He finds this phrasing wimpy. He insists that I should just say, Honey "open the window, or hand me this, or do this." Without using a question phrase.
Whenever I ask "can you, please," he automatically and robotically answers (in a snidey mocking fashion) "CAN I OR WILL I ?" I have heard this 1.000 times, but still go on asking, Honey Can you please?" Maybe because I am intimidated.
I need to know if his behavior is a control thing or a grammar thing.
Is he right?
When he wants a favor from me, he just makes demands like, "I need this letter typed now!", or complains "I don't have any clean clothes!" or jokes "I'm totally surrounded without tea and cookies."
2007-03-07 13:22:52 · 2 answers · asked by walkathisway 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You might try "kindly pass me the (whatever), Kindly open the (whatever).
Initiate a conversation with him about his lack of basic manners. It is rude to correct your grammar not to mention hurtful to mock you.
You sound intimidated and, yes, he seems to have some control issues along with nasty passive-aggressive behaviour.
Do you need this?
2007-03-08 03:52:55 · answer #1 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are asking it should be phrased "Can you". If however is it simply a royal command, you should reply "Do it yourself or learn some manners"
2007-03-08 03:42:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋