Sir, – As the abuse of the English language continues apace under the influence of America, IT-land and textworld, I am alarmed to report the latest assault. Most people under the age of 40, whether on radio or TV, when asked a question, begin their reply with “So. . ” This includes eminent academics, senior medical experts and “personalities”.
When I was subject to the tender mercies of the Christian Brothers, “so” was a word that followed a comma and began a consequential clause, eg, “I was told to put the cat out, so I did as bidden”. Beginning a reply with “so”, would invite retribution, possibly at home, definitely at school. So there! – Yours, etc,
– RAYMOND McGEE
Blackrock,
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Co Dublin.