 Teleostomi wrote: |
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(1) Close the window.
(2) Close that window.
I have one book explaining that if there is one window, (2) is quite rude, as if the speaker is ordering someone to close the window. Is it true?
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Both could be taken as rude, or impolite in general. Imperatives are sometimes orders and orders can be given politely or impolitely, gently or forcefully.
Could you please close that window? I can't hear myself think.
1. The speaker could be annoyed with the traffic and whoever left the window open. The one who left it open may not be in the room at that moment.
2. The speaker could be annoyed with the person he/she is speaking to. Most of the time because the listener has opened the window or sometimes because he/she is annoyed with the listener for other reasons.
3.