Hi, I hope I'm posting in the right place.
My teenage daughter has started using the phrase "Are you actually?" When questioning others statements. This sounds incorrect to me, although I can't explain why, I wouldn't use that wording. Can anyone advise me as to whether she does indeed make sense using this question, or if not why not?
Many thanks
BP
Americanism? (Parent needing help)
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BigPea
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Joe
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Re: Americanism? (Parent needing help)
I agree it does sound a bit strange. Perhaps you would expect "Are you really?"??
I don't think it's an Americanism, more likely a youngsterism
However, it's difficult to be categorical since context is important. Could you give one or two examples please?
I don't think it's an Americanism, more likely a youngsterism
However, it's difficult to be categorical since context is important. Could you give one or two examples please?
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " — Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood
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BigPea
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Re: Americanism? (Parent needing help)
Hi Joe, thanks you for the reply.
Yes, as you say, you would expect "Are you really?"
Examples would be along the lines of:
12 year old son "I'm going to save up and buy a car"
18 year old daughter "Are you actually though?"
11 YO daughter "I've ordered a new bright pink hoodie"
18 YO daughter "Have you actually?"
In both of these examples I would expect the use of 'really' instead of 'actually' or indeed to not use the extra words at all eg. "Are you though?" "Have you?" But I lack the knowledge to be able to explain why.
Yes, as you say, you would expect "Are you really?"
Examples would be along the lines of:
12 year old son "I'm going to save up and buy a car"
18 year old daughter "Are you actually though?"
11 YO daughter "I've ordered a new bright pink hoodie"
18 YO daughter "Have you actually?"
In both of these examples I would expect the use of 'really' instead of 'actually' or indeed to not use the extra words at all eg. "Are you though?" "Have you?" But I lack the knowledge to be able to explain why.