In online texts, the word “sure” can convey a lack of enthusiasm and be seen as passive and dispiriting. Sociolinguists suggest that the meaning of “sure” is context-dependent, with shorter responses like “sure” lacking the enthusiasm of longer, more expressive replies. Generational and gender differences play a role in how “sure” is interpreted, with younger generations and women expecting more explicit markers of enthusiasm in text communication. Ultimately, interpreting a bland “sure” response requires generosity and understanding, as miscommunications can easily arise in text conversations.
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Train passengers fined ‘too harshly’ for ‘innocent errors’ with tickets
Train passengers in the UK are facing severe penalties for accidental ticketing mistakes, as highlighted by the Office of Rail and Road. The watchdog criticized train operators for harsh measures against those making genuine errors, such as selecting the wrong railcard or presenting damaged tickets, which can lead to threats of prosecution and criminal records. Following a review prompted by overturned fare evasion convictions, recommendations have been made to simplify ticket purchasing and improve how...
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