Teo Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
Western courtesy.
When a student comes across a teacher when walking with his/her mother (I mean student's mother), what should he/she say her first?
Should the student first say to the teacher, "this is my mother" or should he first say to his mother, "this is my teacher"?
Who should say "nice to meet you" first? The teacher or the mother?
Should the student first say to the teacher, "this is my mother" or should he first say to his mother, "this is my teacher"?
Who should say "nice to meet you" first? The teacher or the mother?
Top answer
I think you should be courteous to your mother first, and tell her: "I'd like to introduce you to my teacher". (unless of course you have a tender spot for your teacher, and want to clear the matter. )
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I think you should be courteous to your mother first, and tell her: "I'd like to introduce you to my teacher".
(unless of course you have a tender spot for your teacher, and want to clear the matter. Then say to the teacher "This is my mother", for fear the teacher thinks you're with a girlfriend older than you...)
(unless of course you have a tender spot for your teacher, and want to clear the matter. Then say to the teacher "This is my mother", for fear the teacher thinks you're with a girlfriend older than you...)
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Ooh! I always hoped my eight-week "charm school" when I was 13 would come in handy. This is even better than talking about grammar.
Assuming both parties to be introduced are adults, if they are of different sexes, the gentleman is introduced to the lady: Mom, this is Dr. Smith, my teach. Dr. Smith, I'd like you to meet my mother, Jane Doe.
If both are women (or if both are men)
Assuming both parties to be introduced are adults, if they are of different sexes, the gentleman is introduced to the lady: Mom, this is Dr. Smith, my teach. Dr. Smith, I'd like you to meet my mother, Jane Doe.
If both are women (or if both are men)
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Wistiti2Thank
I think you should be courteous to your mother first, and tell her: "I'd like to introduce you to my teacher".
(unless of course you have a tender spot for your teacher, and want to clear the matter. Then say to the teacher "This is my mother", for fear the teacher thinks you're with a girlfriend older than you...)
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Grammar GeekOoh! I always hoped my eight-week "charm school" when I was 13 would come in handy. This is even better than talking about grammar.Thank you very much for your explanation. But could you paraphrase the above passage in simple English? I am totally at a loss.
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0 Oops, I'm sorry, Teo, I haven't been back in the forum since my last posting... 05 0 00 "To have a tender spot for someone" means - as you now know - have a special affection for the person. 010id 1
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