1

Question example: "So, you've never had a job?"

This situation seems to come up often and confuses me when I chat with it seems like you could either reply yes to disagree or agree and vice versa.

Would you say "yes" or "no" if you've never had a job?

wat
  • 51
  • 2
    I would say "That's correct." –  Nov 29 '16 at 19:31
  • Is writing something other than "yes" or "no" the only way to avoid ambiguity? In that case, I'd just clarify it by saying "No, I've never had a job." Or "No, I have had a job." Seems weird that it can go either way, though. – wat Nov 29 '16 at 19:43
  • What does this have to do with English language and usage?? – Lambie Nov 29 '16 at 19:58
  • 1
    There is an old song called "Yes, we have no bananas," which is clearly intended to answer the question/remark: "What?! You have no bananas?" It does seem weird that a simple "yes" or "no" can lead to confusion, but all this really suggests is that "yes" or "no" is not always a sufficient answer. –  Nov 29 '16 at 20:21
  • @Lambie What doesn't it?? – wat Nov 29 '16 at 23:18
  • If you can agree or disagree, that is cultural. Not linguistic or usage or anything like that. – Lambie Nov 30 '16 at 00:44

0 Answers0