abbreviations - Please use other door?


"Please use other door" signs are common. But would you ever say this? Or would you say "please use the other door"?



Answer



No, you would not normally say that. Signs are often expressed in a short and unspecific way. By making the text short, you can use a smaller sign, or use larger text on the same space.


The sign would have different meanings depending on the alternatives. Either:



Please use the other door.



or:



Please use any of the other doors.



By being unspecific, the sign can be used for both situations. Also, the text is half as long as the one you would need to use if there are more than one other door, saving valuable space.


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