You know what really, really, really, really grates on me? When someone makes a statement, then says "Why?", then answers their own question.
Example:
Me: "I don't like sardines."
Stupid Person: "I like sardines. Why? Because they are the only friends I have."
The "why" is completely unnecessary. If you are giving support for your statement, a "because" is sufficient. Or, you can end your sentence and begin a new sentence providing the support for your argument. Saying "Why?" between thoughts makes you sound like a pompous, arrogant blowhard and immediately reduces the validity of your supporting statement.
Saying "because" instead of "why" - it's a good thing.
Friday, February 04, 2005
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2 comments:
People probably say it that way because it sounds dramatic (adding emphasis to the importance of the statement) and "intelligent."
However, starting a sentence with "because" is a no-no in sentence structure and has become a slight pet peeve of mine (yet, the art of perfect grammar is not being forced upon people in the way it is upon me--unfortunately for my beautiful Long Island vernacular).
...Why? It just is.
You should create a pocket device that says "Why". Then instead of them answering their own question, they can pretend they are answering someone else's.
Why? Because it would be cool.
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