Why English Teachers Hate the Phrase \"It Depends\"

Introduction:

As a language learner, you have probably been asked a question and answered with \"it depends.\" While this phrase may seem harmless to you, it's enough to make any English language teacher grit their teeth. In this article, we will explore why \"it depends\" is such a frustrating answer for English teachers.

The Problem with \"It Depends\":

When a student answers a question with \"it depends,\" it's often because they don't want to commit to a specific answer. It's understandable—after all, English is a tricky language with many exceptions and nuances. However, as an English teacher, it's incredibly frustrating to hear this answer. Teachers spend hours preparing lessons and crafting questions, and when a student answers with \"it depends,\" it feels like all that effort was for nothing.

Why \"It Depends\" isn't Enough:

When a teacher asks a question, they want to know if a student has learned the material or not. \"It depends\" doesn't give the teacher any information—no indication of whether or not the student has understood the lesson. It's a vague answer that doesn't help the student improve their language skills. Additionally, it's frustrating for teachers to think that students are not putting in enough effort to learn the material that has been taught to them.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while \"it depends\" may seem like a harmless answer, it's enough to make any English teacher frustrated. It's important for students to give a clear and specific answer to show their understanding of the material. English teachers want their students to succeed and \"it depends\" does not contribute to that success. So the next time you're asked a question, think twice before answering with \"it depends.\"