I'm talking about "it," "they," "them," "this," "that," etc., etc. etc.
Can't we just identify the object or person under discussion without resorting to the indefinites. I may not always be tracking the conversation or looking in the right direction when "it" is mentioned. This, of course, forces me to ask "what?" Which evokes a frustrated sigh which, without saying as much, conveys the silent message: "why can't you pay attention?"
Ditto discussions about people. I may be reading the paper or checking email or otherwise wool-gathering when the person or persons are first identified. Second references then become "him" "her" "they" or "them."
Who are we talking about? I ask innocently, bracing myself for "aren't you listening to me?" Apparently not with complete attention.
I doubt if this "problem" is mine alone. I suspect others of my generation face similar situations with or without their hearing aids tuned in. (Disclosure: no hearing aids here but sometimes suggested.)
Truth is we know several people who wear those devices and we still have to repeat ourselves when talking with them. Yes, I used two indefinites in the previous sentence (underlined) but I believe they are readily understandable.
Yours for clearer communication.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment