thomblake comments on The 5-Second Level - Less Wrong
You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.
You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.
Comments (310)
I usually also try to point out a more helpful phrasing - most non-native speakers who are trying to communicate in English seem appreciative.
Suggesting phrasings is a good way of interactively figuring out what they meant, and I recommend it for the purpose.
Suggesting phrasings to tell people how to say what they mean, on the other hand, bears a risk of being annoying and/or wrong. I think an attitude of seeking clarification is more likely to be successful.
(footnote: I have almost no relevant firsthand knowledge.)