We mentioned before that the word whatever is the most frustrating word for foreigners in the workplace, because it makes people feel that you don't care, and there is another word that makes people feel perfunctory, which is what we are going to talk about today; we found that , Chinese use this word very frequently, and often inadvertently use it as a catchphrase. When communicating, everyone likes clear answers. In English, maybe gives people a feeling of being unsure and not wanting to communicate. Often using this word will make foreigners feel that you are perfunctory and very unreliable. Take a look at how often these sentences appear in your spoken language: Maybe I will call you tomorrow. Maybe you can ask the accounting department. Maybe I have to tell you Maybe. I don’t know. After listening to so many maybes, not only foreigners, you should be crazy too! Give a sincere "maybe" Are you going to the party tonight？ Will you go to today's party? (X) I'm not sure, maybe. (perfunctory) (O)Probably. Well, it should work. (Positive response, 80% chance) (O)Possibly. Well, maybe. (The probability is not probably high, but there is still a 60% chance.)
When we answer the other party's "possible", we can actually give more precise instructions to let the other party know how likely it is. Here is a "possible" icon for your reference: Photo Credit: World Citizen Cultural Center I don’t mean maybe! (X) I'm not sure. (O) I'm not joking. /I was serious. Maybe not only gives people a feeling of uncertainty and not seriousness, I don't mean maybe, that is, "I'm not joking, I'm serious", this sentence often has some threatening tone, you can number list imagine that it is an adult with a straight face , speaking to the child: I told you to go clean your room, and I don't mean maybe! I asked you to clean your room, no joke! Maybe another time. Next time. (X) Accept. (O) Refuse. This is a sentence foreigners use when they politely refuse, or "Maybe some other time.", which means the same. A: "Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?" Want to have dinner together? B: "Sorry, maybe another time. I have a lot of work I need to catch up on." Sorry, next time, I have a lot of work to rush.
This sentence can also be used in response to the other party's rejection, so that the other party will not be so embarrassed. A: "I wish I could come to your house for dinner, but I told my sister I would babysit for her." I wish I could go to your house for dinner, but I promised my sister to help her take care of the children. B: "That's all right, maybe some other time." It's okay, next time. This article is published with the authorization of the World Citizen Cultural Center , please do not reprint without permission Further reading How to express recognition and agreement in English in the workplace? Various uses of "consent" Commonly mistaken use of put: "Put it there" is not to put things there Commonly mistaken driver usage: Sunday driver is not a Sunday driver, and Daily driver is not a person who drives every day Commonly mistaken usage of duty: "It's my duty" seems to be responsible but is actually embarrassing Responsible editor: Wen Weixuan Review editor: Weng Shihang you may also like Three Devil Balls in One: Why Dustin May Can Be Dodgers' Future Ace? The first battle is the end battle? Ministry of National Defense report: The Communist army has not yet fully invaded Taiwan.