The most annoying four words in a story - Comments

Eh, in narration unless it fits the tone or genre of the story (like fairy tale or fable, etc.) I guess I agree with you, but in terms of dialogue I disagree. As I see it, if the phrase fits the character saying it then anything goes.

the word "merely" winds me up the most, I'll skip a whole story if I see it more than once uuguutghgh

It's sometimes used for sarcasm, haha.

I have to agree with the first commenter.

I agree with you and disagree with you. In reality books that there shouldn't be those 4 words unless someone is reading a story out-loud. But if fantasy/fairy-tale, it's appropriate to have them. Like the show Once Upon A Time makes that reference, but none of the characters really say it ever.