For many years, the New York Times has been a reliable source of news and information for people worldwide. Its reputation for accuracy, integrity, and excellence in journalism is unrivaled. It is, therefore, not surprising that its articles and headlines often make waves on social media and other online platforms. Recently, one phrase that has been trending on the NY Times is “Be That As It May.”
What Does “Be That As It May” Mean?
“Be That As It May” is an idiomatic expression that means regardless of what has been said or done before, the speaker is going to make his or her point or argument. It is often used to acknowledge a point made by someone else, but then to proceed with your own opinion or conclusion. It’s a phrase that is often used to transition from one idea to another, especially if the two ideas seem to be in opposition to each other.
Where Did “Be That As It May” Originate?
The exact origin of “Be That As It May” is unclear, but it has been in use for centuries. According to some sources, it was first used in the 16th century, while others claim that it dates back to the 13th century. Regardless of its origin, it has become a common phrase in the English language, and its usage has grown in popularity in recent years.
Examples of “Be That As It May” in NY Times Articles
The NY Times is known for its varied and engaging content, and “Be That As It May” has been popping up in different articles and headlines. Here are some examples:
- “Be That As It May, Saving Lives Must Remain Our Top Priority” – This headline was used in an article discussing the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- “Be That As It May, There is No Substitute for Experience” – This headline was used in an article discussing the importance of experience in politics.
- “Be That As It May, Climate Change is Real and We Must Act Now” – This headline was used in an article discussing the urgent need to address climate change.
Why Do People Use “Be That As It May”?
There are several reasons why people use “Be That As It May.” Here are some of them:
- It acknowledges the previous statement made by someone else.
- It allows the speaker to move on to their own point of view without being dismissive of the other person’s opinion.
- It can be used to bridge two apparently opposing ideas and find a common ground.
- It is a polite way of disagreeing with someone else’s opinion without being confrontational.
- It is a useful tool for writers and speakers to transition from one idea to another smoothly.
Is “Be That As It May” Overused?
There is no definitive answer to this question. However, some people argue that the phrase is overused in the NY Times and other media outlets. They claim that it is often used to transition from one idea to another without adding any significant value to the conversation. Others, however, argue that it is a useful tool for writers and speakers to transition smoothly from one idea to another.
Conclusion
“Be That As It May” is a common phrase that has been trending on the NY Times and other media outlets. It is an idiomatic expression that acknowledges a previous statement, but then proceeds to make a speaker’s point or argument. Its usage has grown in popularity in recent years, and it is a useful tool for writers and speakers to transition smoothly from one idea to another. Whether it is overused or not, it is a phrase that will continue to be part of the English language for centuries to come.