English Language & Usage Asked on March 31, 2021
At that time I won’t want you to again land up in the thread to tell me the rules.
With the above statement, I wanted to express my desire, but it was interpreted as a command.
How can I rewrite the same statement so that it doesn’t sound like a command?
Here are some softening tricks:
Won't is a contraction for will not, which may sound authoritative. Wouldn't can be softer than won't.
In the subject of the sentence, use inclusive plural (we, us) rather than the second person (you), which can sound more like an accusation.
Avoid embedding pronouns in a statement that make it sound more confrontational (like a you and a me).
After applying these three guidelines:
I won't want you to land up in the thread again to tell me the rules.
becomes:
I wouldn't want us to land up in the thread again, discussing the rules.
Of course, all of these tricks are contextual; they work well when in the midst of a disagreement. I'm not saying to always avoid pronouns like you and me – yet I believe you're sharp enough to figure that out.
Correct answer by J.R. on March 31, 2021
Well, I would use something like:
Would you mind not landing up in the thread to tell me the rules again? I think we have already been here.
It has an authoritative polite tone.
It is the similar to:
Would you mind not smoking?
Answered by speedyGonzales on March 31, 2021
There are many, many possible ways to express a desire politely in English. Some examples follow.
Don't be concerned that some of these sound like questions. They're really not questions at all.
Answered by user16269 on March 31, 2021
Sometimes beginning sentences with a positive attire sounds gentle and well non-offensive:
I'd be delighted to have you land up in the thread again to tell me the rules except for that time.
Answered by najamkhn on March 31, 2021
“It is my ardent desire that you wouldn’t land up again in the thread to tell me the rules, but you are at liberty to choose your own method.”
Answered by Krishnakumar K. on March 31, 2021
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