Consider the different meanings implied merely by emphasizing different words in the following sentence. I follow each example with brackets to show the different meaning implied by merely stressing a different word in the same sentence. Stressed words are natural and understood in verbal conversations, but often don't translate online.
Template: "
I never said facial hair is a sin."
1.
I never said facial hair is a sin.
[But the previous poster said it.]
2. I
never said facial hair is a sin.
[I keep track of everything I ever say, and I didn't say that one.]
3. I never
said facial hair is a sin.
[But I strongly implied it!]
4. I never said
facial hair is a sin.
[Of course, hairy legged women ought to repent.]
5. I never said facial hair
is a sin.
[But it certainly
was in the 70s!]
5. I never said facial hair is a
sin.
[But in my church men can't sing in the choir until they look clean cut.]
a. Some people adopt nasty online spirits here toward folks they could probably love and find common ground with if they could talk to in person.
Then they could have a good debate.
b. Some people never consider how their writing "comes across" but are satisfied because
they know what they mean.
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