Why Do People Say

[lankeela]

when advertising something why do people say 'here I have a xxxx' it drives me mad! Where else would it be than there with you.

[Mamyalynne]

The trick when advertising is often getting the name of the product in the blurb as many times as possible, that can lead to clunky dialogue.

[TheDevil]

As Mamy says they want to brand their product as much as they can. They want you to remember the name so when you see it elsewhere you feel already accustomed to the product.

[Old_Geezer]

"Here" is just one word. Surprised anyone noticed or is perturbed by it.

[Rosie29]

I don't want to be a thread hijacker but - on the phone to a Customer Service desk - why do people ask " what WAS the name please " instead of what is your name. Most odd habit.

[TheDevil]

Because they're acknowledging that you've previously gave the name but admitting to not remembering it that well. Where as if you give your name and they say "What is your name" it gives the impression they completely ignored you

[Old_Geezer]

shrug Maybe they want the associated name on their records rather than the actual caller's name, who may be phoning on someone's behalf ?

[pixie374]

The strangest habit I've seen recently, is from newscasters, who are reporting that a body has been found, which is "feared to be...(name)". It sounds as though they would prefer it to be somebody else. Why not "thought to be"?

[DTCwordfan]

'Enjoy' as in your food - why a command and not a 'I hope that you enjoy our food' or 'please enjoy our food' - 'Enjoy!' is the domain of dictators.

How are you, pixie? All okay here.

[Buenchico]

Threads about the irritating things people say tend to get very lengthy on AB!

One of my current pet hates is the increasing number of people, who when ordering something in (say) a pub or fast food restaurant, use "Can I get?" as a substitute for "please". So, instead of "A pint of lager, please", we now hear "Can I get a pint of lager?". (Horrid Americanism!)

"Upcoming" also annoys me. It's another Americanism that seems to have crept into British Engklish, replacing "forthcoming" (which I much prefer to hear).

[pixie374]

All good thanks, dt:-) glad it is with you too xx

[Jackdaw33]

What did you say your name was is actually grammatically correct. It's called sequence of tenses used in indirect speech and other subordinate clauses.

[JimF]

"'What did you say your name was?' is actually grammatically correct."

Indeed. And so is "What was your name?" in the sense of before you were married or changed it by deed poll, but not when asking someone what their name is.

[Rosie29]

That's exactly what I meant Jim .

[zebo]

So, I can't stand people who start a sentence with So.

[DTCwordfan]

'Zo', zebo, you had better avoid going to The Netherlands.....

[teacake44]

I just have to wonder why some folk get irritable about someone's figure of speech, or their way of communicating as they see fit. If it drives you mad, then maybe its you that as the real problem. :0)

[ABSpareEditor]

I have moved this thread into the category "Adverts".