In article <MPG.1c5228f9fbe6e54a98ac95@news.individual.net>,
the Omrud <usenet.omrud@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Can I talk to Mr. Benito? Poor
> These days, nearly everybody uses this form, except for people
> learning English as a foreign language.
First, I would suggest that far from "nearly everybody" uses this form.
Do not mistake "most of the people I know" for "nearly everybody."
Second, even if most people do use that form, it only indicates that
most people speak poorly, not that it is the correct form.
Yes, I understand that language evolves according to usage. However,
improper usage does NOT become proper just because a bunch of kids,
these days, can't be bothered to learn to speak their own native tongue
correctly ;)
On the flip side, I'll grant that "I don't know, can you?" is about the
most ridiculous reply possible to such a query. <G>
Getting back to the original, though -- if the querier's intent is to
write a natural-sounding dialog, he might go with something along the
lines of "is Mr. Benito available?" This form carries an implied:
"...to speak with me" or "...for a brief phone conversation" -esque
ending.
...But I think that we agree, in general terms. It was not my intention
to tell anyone that their responses were wrong, only to point out
alternate forms and how they might be viewed as more casual or formal.
--
Please take off your shoes before arriving at my in-box.
I will not, no matter how "good" the deal, patronise any business which sends
unsolicited commercial e-mail or that advertises in discussion newsgroups.
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