In this episode of the All Ears English podcast, Aubrey and Lindsay discuss how to soften commands in English to build better connections. They explore the nuances of phrases like "make sure," "be sure," "be careful," and "try," explaining how each can be used to make requests or instructions sound more polite and less direct. They also touch on the grammar associated with each phrase. The hosts provide examples of how these phrases can be used in everyday conversations, such as asking someone to water plants or giving instructions to a VRBO guest, and highlight how these subtle linguistic choices can significantly impact the tone and effectiveness of communication. They also discuss the concept of "one-upping" and how the phrase "try" can be used in that context.
