New
June 15, 2022
'Softening' language - "It doesn't seem to work for some reason".
Someone sent me a link today and it didn't work, so I sent them this message:
"I'm really sorry but the link doesn't seem to work when I try it for some reason".
Real meaning = "The link definitely doesn't work. It doesn't work because it's the wrong link. And I know it's not just me, because I've checked it in different browsers and it still doesn't work".
"seem to" is a really useful word to soften your statements, when you don't want to sound critical, negative and too demanding.
"I can't seem to get it to work".
"I don't seem to have been paid".
"There seems to be something wrong with it".
Dictionary definition in this context: to be unable to do something, despite having tried.
Thanks for your feedback