An alert reader snapped a picture that perplexes us here. Next to the corral for carts, the Target sign says this: "Are you reusable bag ready?" Those are the precise words and punctuation.
We couldn't get a comment from Target about the meaning of this query. So we've had to fill in the spaces. One possibility is that the writer meant to say, "Are your reusable bags ready?" If so, it's evidence of a tragic deprivation of basic grammar.
We think the author of the sign probably left out quotation marks around the third and fourth words. The warning should have said, "Are you 'reusable bag' ready?'' Naturally, this is a small tragedy by itself. It is like saying, "Are you 'drink-beer' thirsty?"
Instead of using the words at the bottom to explain that Target can no longer give out plastic bags, maybe the sign should just go for the brutal truth: "Because of a city ordinance, this Target can no longer speak English."
FYI: my county passed a similar law, but our signs are clearer. They say "Get Ready for Less Plastic", with the information about the city ordinance underneath.
5 comments:
I have to admit I got a chuckle out this - you're right!
I see this all the time and totally got it, even without the quotes.
PS: a gripe of mine... Target stores that already have the "plastic bag" ordinance in place also no longer carry tissue paper at the checkout stands to wrap delicate objects. Very annoying!
I saw the same sign at the CIty Target (SF) and it confused me too until I also realized they meant 'reusable bag' ready. I agree it just doesn't look right.
crazily, I understood this immediately
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