If asking about a person's name, when would one use "How do you spell that, sir" over "How are you spelling that, sir"?
spell/spelling
"How do you spell that" - how do you normally spell it
"How are you spelling that" - you are implying he is in the process of spelling it *right now*.
"How are you spelling that" - you are implying he is in the process of spelling it *right now*.
"How are you spelling that" - you are implying he is in the process of spelling it *right now*.
Maybe, Calliope, but it's normally used when there are different spellings of a person's name.
Maybe, Calliope, but it's normally used when there are different spellings of a person's name.
I would always prefer "How do you spell that?"
As M56 suggests, "How are you spelling that?" could be used when there are different spellings, but I don't hear this construction very often. I think the difference between the two is that "How do you spell that?" can be taken as an impersonal construction ("How does one spell that?"), whereas "How are you spelling that?" unambiguously refers to the second person ("How do *you* spell that?"). But that distinction is rarely necessary, because "How do you spell that?" will always be understood.
- Kef
As M56 suggests, "How are you spelling that?" could be used when there are different spellings, but I don't hear this construction very often. I think the difference between the two is that "How do you spell that?" can be taken as an impersonal construction ("How does one spell that?"), whereas "How are you spelling that?" unambiguously refers to the second person ("How do *you* spell that?"). But that distinction is rarely necessary, because "How do you spell that?" will always be understood.
- Kef
<I would always prefer "How do you spell that?" >
My goodness, why? If you have two forms and each is needed in different contexts, why would you want to use only one of them?
My goodness, why? If you have two forms and each is needed in different contexts, why would you want to use only one of them?
<But that distinction is rarely necessary, because "How do you spell that?" will always be understood. >
If language usage where only about understanding, we could tell a everyone who asked us for a favour to just "Fuck off", right?
If language usage where only about understanding, we could tell a everyone who asked us for a favour to just "Fuck off", right?
The thing is, though, that the nuance added by using "How are you spelling that?" is superfluous and irrelevant. The listener very likely won't care which form was used, so I prefer the simpler and (to me) more obvious form. By contrast, if somebody asks you a favor, he or she probably cares very much whether you answer "Sorry, but I'm busy right now" versus "Fuck off!"
<< My goodness, why? If you have two forms and each is needed in different contexts, why would you want to use only one of them? >>
Because I don't believe each is needed in different contexts. "How do you spell that, sir?" always does the job. As the proverb goes, "If the shoe fits, wear it!"
- Kef
<< My goodness, why? If you have two forms and each is needed in different contexts, why would you want to use only one of them? >>
Because I don't believe each is needed in different contexts. "How do you spell that, sir?" always does the job. As the proverb goes, "If the shoe fits, wear it!"
- Kef
"My goodness, why? If you have two forms and each is needed in different contexts, why would you want to use only one of them?"
They aren't "needed" in different contexts, stupid bitch. Why don't you mind your own business?
They aren't "needed" in different contexts, stupid bitch. Why don't you mind your own business?
<Because I don't believe each is needed in different contexts. "How do you spell that, sir?" always does the job. >
This means that you set the standard of politeness all the time. Some situations require that we "play the social game". If all of us were like you, it would be fine to use any form of address or level of politeness that we wished.
This means that you set the standard of politeness all the time. Some situations require that we "play the social game". If all of us were like you, it would be fine to use any form of address or level of politeness that we wished.
They aren't "needed" in different contexts, stupid bitch. Why don't you mind your own business? >>>>
You haven't added even one useful comment on the above topic about language use. Why are you on a language forum?
You haven't added even one useful comment on the above topic about language use. Why are you on a language forum?
<< This means that you set the standard of politeness all the time. Some situations require that we "play the social game". If all of us were like you, it would be fine to use any form of address or level of politeness that we wished. >>
What does politeness have to do with it? As I already stated, both forms seem equally polite to me.
- Kef
What does politeness have to do with it? As I already stated, both forms seem equally polite to me.
- Kef
"How are you spelling that, sir"?
I be spelling that with a smidgin of nana toenail clippings, a dab of pigeon droppings and a splash of worcestershire sauce.
I be spelling that with a smidgin of nana toenail clippings, a dab of pigeon droppings and a splash of worcestershire sauce.
<What does politeness have to do with it? As I already stated, both forms seem equally polite to me. >
But not to all others. So, would you "play the social game", as mentioned above, and use the "how are you spelling that" when in the company of those who recognise that form as expressing more politeness, more social distance? Would you use it with people who expect to hear that form?
But not to all others. So, would you "play the social game", as mentioned above, and use the "how are you spelling that" when in the company of those who recognise that form as expressing more politeness, more social distance? Would you use it with people who expect to hear that form?
For me, "may", in asking for permission, is not suitable among my friends. It is too distant and sound overpolite. "Can" is fine in that situation. But, if I am with people who expect "may", I would certainly use "may". Being a proficient user means knowing what is appropriate in certain situations.