Isn't it wrong for someone to make a statement that they believe to be true, and then end by saying "I don't think?" I see professionals on t.v. using it quite often.
Well, it's somewhat misleading, which can be annoying to the listener/reader. Golden Rule and all that. Better if the opening premise, later falsified, accurately articulates the opposing view. Better if you're exposing obvious face-value flaws in an argument. A little puerile. I suppose it's a serviceable rhetorical device, if not misused or overused.
NOT
Make it your "style" at your peril.
Posts: 1905 | Location: U.S. | Registered: 06-03-02
And consider " Yeah, right !" as used by teenagers, which, given the right emphasis, means " I certainly don't believe that statement ( though you might delude yourself that it is true)".
"... I don't think " is an irritating and hackneyed usage.
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