LISTEN. This is far more grating than 'Look' because it's a direct order to let someone foist their views upon you. Most people say this (and Look) as more of a tick than formally calling you to attention. But be wary nevertheless.
When you start off a conversation with "Listen", it seems that you want to get to the main point of the conversation quickly. You use it like this: Listen, I know that we've had disagreements in the past, but I hope that we can work together on this.
Never begin a sentence—or a clause—with also. Teach the elimination of but, so, and, because, at the beginning of a sentence. A sentence should not commence with the conjunctions and, for, or however....
In conclusion, the use of so to start a sentence or a question reply strikes some people as odd, and sometimes carries negative connotations, but people use it in spontaneous speech all the time, making it likely to slowly gain acceptance as people hear it more.
Often, so acts as a filler word at the beginning of a sentence. This is not considered acceptable for formal writing, however. Only use so as a filler word in informal situations.
Some people start a sentence with "so" to indicate that the listener is a bit of a simpleton, so the speaker will use appropriately uncomplicated words. If this is so, more people should be annoyed. "So" may also indicate that the speech that follows has been rehearsed.
There's nothing inherently wrong with the passive voice, even if some writing advice recommends avoiding it. However, if you end up making too many of your sentences passive to try to avoid starting too many with 'I', this will certainly weaken your writing (or make it sound strange).
Calmly and professionally call out the patronizing person without making a scene or being dramatic by pointedly yet politely saying, “Gee, that comment sounded a bit condescending to me. Mind dropping the attitude?” Hopefully, he takes you up on the do-over opportunity.
On this page you'll find 33 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to condescending, such as: arrogant, patronizing, snooty, complaisant, disdainful, and egotistic.
You should try to avoid expressions that are too informal, unsophisticated, vague, exaggerated, or subjective, as well as those that are generally unnecessary or incorrect.
to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear. to pay attention; heed; obey (often followed by to): Children don't always listen to their parents.
Example Sentences
She listened with interest as he told her about his travels. She tried to warn him of the dangers, but he wouldn't listen.
: showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others.
Patronizing behavior is any form of talking down to someone from the position of projected authority. You've likely heard the term mansplaining—in which a man explains something to a person of another gender that's obvious or that they already know and might even have expertise in.
Aggression such as shouting, yelling and belittling comments are all obvious signs of condescension. However, people are sometimes condescending in more subtle ways, such as talking about people behind their backs or making fun of colleagues in the form of jokes.
What is Demeaning Behaviour? Demeaning behaviour is any action or communication that makes someone else feel inferior or less valuable than they actually are. This behaviour comes in many different forms. Expressions of demeaning behaviour may include verbal, non-verbal, and overt behaviours.
Watch out for these patronizing behaviors
Use phrases such as “you always” or “you never,” that can cause the other person to feel defensive and make them feel judged. Tell someone who is expressing their frustration to “take it easy,” “relax” or “calm down.”
'Contrary to what your high school English teacher told you, there's no reason not to begin a sentence with but or and; in fact, these words often make a sentence more forceful and graceful. They are almost always better than beginning with however or additionally.
I have not looked down on them from afar, with a superior and condescending attitude. It is a condescending attitude that we have to shake ourselves out of. It is a condescending attitude to morality and shows that she has not caught up with the electronic environment.
Avoiding a straight answer
It has been suggested that so is often used to begin a sentence because it helps the speaker to avoid giving a straight answer. As discussed above, so has become a crutch word which enables the speaker to pause and that can be very useful when they are formulating a lie!