It‘s not done to eat while looking at your phone.

Does this sound natural?
I‘m not sure which verb is natural, look, watch, or use.

Answers

timtak

1 Oct 2022

Featured answer

English (UK)

The looking at your phone is fine and could be "using your phone" or "watching stuff/videos on your phone" would be fine too, but the "It's not done" is a little bit unnatural to me. The standard (though rather posh) expression is "It is not the done thing," and I would use that. It is a useful expression since it is much milder than "impolite" "rude."

It's not the done thing to eat while looking at/using your phone.

I would use "using."

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timtak

1 Oct 2022

English (UK)

The looking at your phone is fine and could be "using your phone" or "watching stuff/videos on your phone" would be fine too, but the "It's not done" is a little bit unnatural to me. The standard (though rather posh) expression is "It is not the done thing," and I would use that. It is a useful expression since it is much milder than "impolite" "rude."

It's not the done thing to eat while looking at/using your phone.

I would use "using."

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mitsu53

1 Oct 2022

Japanese

@timtak

That's really helpful !
Thank you very much indeed.

miumiubro

18 Oct 2022

English (UK)

@mitsu53

Was it a possible auto correction from the word “fine” to done”.?

If so, then it would make more sense. I also noticed a spelling error which should be “while”

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mitsu53

19 Oct 2022

Japanese

@miooomiooo

“It’s not done” was an example sentence in the dictionary, which means “You shouldn’t do that”.

Thank you for pointing out my spelling error. I fixed it.

miumiubro

19 Oct 2022

English (UK)

@mitsu53

Yeah, it’s an old school way of saying the short form of “it’s not how it is done” when adhering to protocol and decorum guidelines generally in a social setting relating to one’s appearance, behaviour, reputation or whatever else they may be judged on as though they are of utmost importance.

Say we were at a restaurant and a mother says to her son -

“‎Peter, where are your table manners? I will not repeat myself, now put your phone away this very moment. I can’t have Mrs Jones see my son eating whist looking at his phone in this establishment. It’s simply not done!. I taught you better”

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mitsu53

19 Oct 2022

Japanese

@miumiubro

It’s very kinds of you.
Your example is really interesting and helpful, but please let me ask you one thing. What do you mean by establishment in this case?

miumiubro

19 Oct 2022

English (UK)

@mitsu53

Not a problem.

It’s what those superficial la di da set would consider and call any venue (eg restaurant, members’ club etc… that is worthy of their patronage.

A place part of their social scene where they go to see and be seen. Similar to where celebrities hangout out to be papped by OK magazine… 🙄

Your example of “eating whilst using their phone” most likely would not be something they would say Probably, something more shallow like…

“Oh, look girls …. It’s Regina in the same plaid dress she’s worn a million times and now paired with a stripped top. Such an obvious fashion faux pas! Is she blind? That might be ok on the farm where she’s from but this is Beverley Hills. It’s just not done!”

I’ve no idea about the rules on pattern mixing but the above was just an example of someone with no fashion sense being condemned by a privileged group who think they know better based on their supposedly higher standards.

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mitsu53

20 Oct 2022

Japanese

@miumiubro

I had a little trouble reading your reply because there were a lot of words I didn't know. I’m not sure if I understand exactly what you mean. However, I’m thinking now this is the phrase that very specific people use in very specific situations.

You taught me so nicely.
I really appreciate it.

I learned a lot of new words!