Random Italics
Just like weather reports, announcements on planes bug me because they put an emphasis on the random words. I think this is to make them sound official, but it goes like this.
“In the unlikely event that the cabin should depressurize, a mask will fall from the ceiling. Simply place this over your mouth and nose and continue to breath normally. For those passengers travelling with children and those in need of assistance, a member of our cabin crew will be able to help you.”
It’s totally random.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing to fly with British Airways today and we wish you a pleasant onward journey.”
Does it give it an air of officialdom? I don’t know.
Maybe it’s reassuring when they are describing landing on water.
June 14th, 2006 at 10:17 am
You think italics won’t be affected by water?
June 15th, 2006 at 10:09 am
Perhaps. As everyone sinks to the bottom, and the ink begins to run, the sentence unlikely should ceiling normally bobs to the surface.
June 15th, 2006 at 10:59 am
Not a valid sentence, though.
Still affected?