Sure - it's "in the eye of the beholder." The only message that really counts, though, is the message that's received. No matter how pure the intent, it's the way the receiver/reader "takes" it that counts.
That does not have to be the end of it, though. Using good dialogue skills, the sender can ask clarifying questions, like, "Are you interested in hearing what my intent was?"
Edryce
Jack Ring <
jring@amug.org> wrote:
On Fri, 2 Jan 2004 17:10:58 -0500, Robert Bacal [...]
> I believe the reader would INFER, not imply. Which brings up a point
> as to whether we should be effective role models for proper use of
> English?
[JRing replies] Good point. I believe we should be effective role models
for proper use of English. How about using Merriam Webster as a guide?
Imply: 2. to involve or indicate by inference ---
The original point remains --- the reader may ascribe all sorts of
intentions to the writer but all of them remain reader opinion, not writer
commission. Do you disagree?
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