Source
r/NoStupidQuestions•
cloudybean

How do you explain grammatical/verbal nuance to people?

Example: Yesterday I argued with someone.

They said "<this beauty thing> is so good for you", I said "it's not good, it's just less bad than the other option".
They responded "you could say it about everything, it's the best to not do any <beauty thing>. But this is better than the other option so it's good". I said "no, <so good> means beneficial, this thing is just less bad but still damaging".
They said I am nitpicky, I said that I am only claryfing because someone that doesn't do any <beauty thing> and is not in the topic may decide to do it after her comment because "so good" means beneficial.

We did not reach any agreement. It seemed they didn't understand that "so good" and "less bad" are not synonyms. Is there any way to explain things like this to people? I really felt I was going crazy

Posted Jun 7, 2022, 4:29 PM UTC

35
GargantuanHooves•

Analogies and other examples would be the best way IMO. Some people just won't get it, though.

2
downtownpenthaus•

Are you a grammar teacher?

If you are not and you find yourself talking about the verbiage someone is using when the original conversation was not about grammar, I think you should look inward to see why that is important to you.

Your friend was trying to connect with you through talking about skincare/beauty regimen, you changed the conversation to be about criticizing their word choice which as an extension was probably misunderstood to mean you're also criticizing their "self-care" routine, which they clearly were proud of.

1
cloudybeanOPcorrect my english if i made a mistake•

why that is important to you.

As I said in my post - because the original comment was worded wrongly it might have misled someone with negative effects.

I never said it was my friend. It was a person on the internet.

0
Maranne_•

You were being an annoying pedantic asshole, there was no reason for the other person to try to understand. Next time just say "yes thank you I'm glad something is kind of working" and move on.

-1
cloudybeanOPcorrect my english if i made a mistake•

You should try e-cigaretts, they are SO good for you!

0