First, what is a set phrase?
E.g. I don’t know, So to speak, Do it yourself,
A set phrase or fixed phrase is a phrase whose parts are fixed in a certain order, even if the phrase could be changed without harming the literal meaning. This is because a set phrase is a culturally accepted phrase. A set phrase does not necessarily have any literal meaning in and of itself. Set phrases may function as idioms (e.g. red herring) or as words with a unique referent (e.g. Red Sea).[1] There is no clear dividing line between a commonly used phrase and a set phrase. It is also not easy to draw a clear distinction between set phrases and compound words.
– Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_phrase
Second, why is it important to have an understanding of this concept and a library of them?
People have their own set phrases they use when they communicate to people and some are better than others.
Example 1
The best example of this I have is when trying to ask someone about their knowledge of something.
“Do you know what sentiment means?”.
This can be seen as questioning your level of education and thus implying you are ignorant and should know that thing. However the question doesn’t say that. It just is inquiring if you know what a thing is. Sometimes it can be seen as condescending.
A rework that removes this would be: “Are you familiar with the meaning of the term sentiment by chance?”
This shows that the person is saying that it is not something they expect everyone to know and that you by chance might know what it means. Also when the word familiar is used it also implies a sense of chance and vague notion of what it might mean instead of a complete and solid understanding of what it means. A person might even make it more specific by saying, “How familiar are you with the meaning of the term ‘sentiment’?”. This would then give you the ability to say you are somewhat familiar or very familiar or not at all familiar and to then ask what it means.
Example 2
Accepting compliments is a situation where knowing some set phrases can be useful. There is more than just knowing how to respond, but also why those responses are useful and meaningful and why compliments are what they are and how to interpret them. That kind of thing however is for another place to outline more specifically. This is just a library of set phrases to use when communicating something.
Set Phrase Library
- I appreciate you sharing.
- Take care.
- Safe travels vs Drive safe – When you say Safe Travels, it indicates a longer idea. I hope you have a safe time on your travels. This indicates that you feel in a positive way about them and want them to be well and that you care about them and their well being as they set off into the world that has a lot of unknowns where danger can be everywhere. It refers to the factors outside of themselves. If you say Drive Safe then you are referring to them as the factors to what can cause themselves problems. Of course safe travels also implies that you hope they are acting in a safe manner, there is a bias of their own actions vs actions of other things outside of themselves.
- No worries.
- It is much appreciated.
- Thank you for sharing.
- I’ll take a look at it sometime.
- I’ll try to get back to you on this.
- I’d be interested to know more.
- …if you are open to sharing.
- How familiar are you with…
- …the idea of …
- … the concept of …
- Link me
- Link please
- Do you have a link?
- I’m in the middle of a game, so if you could send me that directly that would be appreciated…
- I’ll have to get back to you on that. I’m a bit busy at the moment.
- I’m not familiar with that. Could you please tell me a bit about it?
- I don’t really understand what that meant.
Please elaborate. - Please rephrase.
- Please elaborate or rephrase.
- I understand vs I am following what you are saying
- Glad I could share it with you.
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NOTES
Why “No Problem” Can Seem Rude: Phatic Expressions – https://youtu.be/eGnH0KAXhCw