Comments on: Saying “No Problem” is Not Proper Etiquette

By: Syndi Seid

Syndi Seid — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:27 +0000

Dear Joe L: Thanks for the comment and catch on the typo. I appreciate you pointing it out. It’s now corrected. Syndi.

By: Joe L

Joe L — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:27:06 +0000

Syndi, well done. Along with spelling and grammar, the use of “no problem” is also a pet peeve of mine.

P.S. On a related topic, I wanted to point out the improper use of the word ‘inn’ above. In the last sentence of the sixth paragraph, you say…”even inn movies”…, when I think you meant…”even in movies”…Sorry, but I just couldn’t help myself.

By: Cam D

Cam D — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:46:09 +0000

You are not alone. When I ask a colleague to do their job and provide me info I thank them when they provide the info. 90% of time I now get a “np”. So now I reply “Were you expecting there to be a problem?”

By: Borislav

Borislav — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:08:05 +0000

Because I’m bulgarian, I used to say it all the time. In bulgarian, one usually replies with “За нищо” which means “For nothing”. Another common response in bulgarian is “Няма проблем” which means “No problem” or “No worries”. I’m trying to stop using it lately.

By: Gordon

Gordon — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:44:50 +0000

Well said Syndi.
Sadly, all too often these discussion get hijacked by “so called trolls”who’s clear intention is to ignite a controvesy that meanders off subjectand desends intoan exchange of insults. The usual hallmark of such is to annonymise themselves as seems to be the case on this entry.
Bringing the subject back to good English (not perfect ) I do spend time analysing what I and other people say and drawing “reasonable” conclusions which is not in itself bad.To illustrate, who of us will not evrry morning look at and analyse our appearance and where necessary make reasonable adjustments in order that when others look at us they form a favourable impression. Therefore it follows that the same approach to ones Enlishcan pay the same dividends. These and those people do not further their argument any farther by “celebrating” illiteracy.
Kind regards Gordon.

By: moda

moda — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:26:48 +0000

-_- Overthinking this? I think not. Perhaps you are under-thinking it. Not to mention the fact that you are marginalizing our language.
Your insult to single mothers//women or women over the age of 60 did not go unnoticed, either. There is no room for misogyny is this discussion, however.
We have all seen many examples of “the way the language has developed in recent years”, and many of us are concerned that it is quickly losing ground.

By: Syndi Seid

Syndi Seid — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:44:01 +0000

Dear -_-: This is exactly the point of this discussion. The way language has developed in the recent 25+ years is skewing the English language. The better educated person will know the right words to use for the right situations. This is what it’s all about. It’s not about over analysing anything. Example: When talking about distance, sports commentators often say, “He threw the ball “further” down the field..” Rather, correctly it should be “he threw the ball “farther” down the field…” Farther describes distance, further describes advancing something. Different words used, yet absolutely do not mean the same thing. Another example is how stores have 10 items of less lines. It should correctly say, “10 item or fewer.” Less is quantitative as is 10 item or less than what? Fewer just means what it is… fewer than 10. It’s all about being “in the know.”

By: -_-

-_- — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:26:02 +0000

You all must either be single mothers/women or women over the age of 60 that have not yet learned how to adapt to today’s society. You people are really over thinking this. It is just the way that the language has developed in recent years. Different words, same meaning. Stop over-analyzing this. Sheesh…

By: larissa

larissa — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:29:22 +0000

I completely agree. I find “no problem” so cold! English is not my first language so when I hear “no problem” it sounds even rude. I agree “what the problem in the first place?”. You’re welcome is the appropriate answer because when I say thank you I am genuine and if you respond “no problem” you are not being reciprocal, you are just responding for obligation (at least it’s the way it looks). I try hard not to take it personally

By: moda

moda — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:27:39 +0000

Amen! I found your page after searching for something I could take to work. I am responsible for education in a small hospital and I simply must find a way to redirect those who care for our customers – inpatients, outpatients. and visitors – in response to being thanked for their services. I am personally offended when someone responds “No problem” to me, because it implies that it could have been a problem; and it is sometimes stated with a bit of inflection as though sarcasm is in fact being stated outrightly. A solid, “You’re welcome” bears sincerity.
Thank you!