Pam, Rhonda, and Anton are discussing their English project over lunch. “I just want to get it done as soon as possible. I could care less where we meet!” says Pam. Rhonda, who considers herself a grammar expert, knows that Pam actually means she couldn’t care less. Analyze the social effects of Rhonda correcting and not correcting Pam in terms of facework.

What will be an ideal response?

If Rhonda chooses to correct Pam, she will be causing Pam to lose face. Being corrected in front of someone else may be particularly damaging, as it would also affect Anton’s opinion of Pam. On the other hand, Rhonda may also lose positive face herself by imposing her will on Pam. If Rhonda does not correct Pam, she preserves Pam’s face and does not risk losing her own by being perceived as rude.