To Double a Consonant or Not to Double a Consonant, That is the Question.
Most of us have come across some type of grammar, punctuation or spelling issue at one time or another when writing: Does a comma belong here? Is this or that word spelled with two H's or one? And so on. I'm "addicted" to the proper usage of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling in writing. Still, I don't get it right 100% of the time. English is a difficult language to master because it's so doggone complicated. It borrows words from other languages (in fact, the word LANGUAGE itself is taken from the French), and there are a few punctuation and spelling rules that are in such perpetual states of flux that there are many people--including English professors--who disagree on some of the proper usages of these topics.
Take a look at these two examples in spelling: Do you write TRAVELED or TRAVELLED? QUARRELED or QUARRELLED? There is a consensus that the double use of the L's is chiefly British. But American usage goes along with the British in doubling the L's for such words as ANNULLED and CONTROLLED. Why? Because with these words, the accent (or stress) is on the second syllable. Got it? But in some American publications, I'm seeing such words as TRAVELLED and QUARRELLED in the British spellings. Whew!
I don't know about you, but I don't remember being taught in school the differences in British versus American spellings (or is it spelling?).Still, whether you remember that accent rule or not, is it really such a big deal whether you spell any of these words with one or two L's (maybe depending on which side of the bed you got up on that day)?
Reply by Ian Thompson (Google+):
Or which side of the Atlantic. The British spelling of many words differ, it's a very grey (gray) area and I don't want to centre (center) your attention too much on this or it will just become theatre (theater). You can look through (thru) many articles and see examples of this. It's just as confusing for us Brits that speak the original English! And don't even get me started on food names!
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Thanks, danbarth87. Grammar was going to be my first website but I've changed my mind and will do something else instead.
Wel putt, Rich...... Sorry, couldn't resist!
I was blessed with Mrs. Green (pronounced "misrus" Green) in 7th grade English, who was OCD on grammar, and as you say, I still make mistakes.
But, she would say, when confronted with bad grammar, "Oh! That goes right through me." and every time I foul grammatically I think of her and can see poor Misrus Green being "stabbed" by my speech.
Great post,
BDF
Thanks, Big Daddy. I wrote this blog because my first website was going to be about grammar, punctuation, etc. But just this morning in the shower I got a much better idea since so many other sites deal with that topic already.
My new topic is on this chronic skin condition I have had for over 30 years now. I'm 56 and this nightmare started when I was 22. Not very many doctors (dermatologists) are aware of it. In spite of its rarity, a lot of people are suffering with chronic body odor in silence. I hope the info I put on this site will help people like me to know that they are not alone and that there is a name for it and where and how to get the treatment and diagnosis they need. I know this is a topic not many people want to talk about, and that's part of our problem. We are seen as unclean and too lazy to bathe as often as we should. This is not about hygiene. Ironically, most of us bathe more often than the average person.
Forgive me for being so verbose about my condition, Big Daddy. Sometimes I get carried away on this issue.--Rich
Hi Rich:
Absolutely no apology necessary. I think that is a fantastic topic for a website and will most likely fall into that sweet spot of not overly or under searched.
Also, since my passion is health by mushrooms, shiitake extract is known to very helpful for skin conditions.
Take a look at my site and if you find something that may work, PM me and I will send you some at no cost.
Thanks. You would actually be helping me by doing this.
BDF
www.bigdaddyfred.com
That's very kind of you, Big Daddy! Mushrooms as a treatment for my condition never crossed my mind. I will definitely get back to you on that! :) :) :)--Rich
Pardon the loose comparison, but our little dog has very itchy skin. She scratches constantly. We went to the vet and he said it was a bacterial rash and gave her antibiotic. I asked him if we could give her shiitake extract in here food. He stood up, shook my hand and said I made his day! He is Indian and there they understand the value of exotic mushrooms. BTW, she hardly scratches anymore.
Funny you should mention that, Big Daddy. I have an itch, too, because of a fungus I had been diagnosed with years ago. I use OTC stuff, but it's only a temporary relief.
Joining WA is turning into a lot more than I was hoping for! Thank you for being here, guy!--Rich
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Ha! I am not too sure I would wish to speak the original English language as it might be a little dull compared to the English of today.
Even the original English language came from the same roots as Dutch and German. I have had a few boozy evenings while downing pints of lager but apart from that my knowledge of either language is somewhat limited (Origins: Booze=Dutch Lager=German).
Oh, that is British pints not U.S. The Americans are too stingy ; )
I think English is a truly international language because it has absorbed words from the majority of the world's major languages which is hardly original.
I speak English and refer to that tongue spoken across the pond as American, No dis-respect intended, it is just easier that way.
Let us not forget that English has reached all "Corners of the globe" Corners ? and every country that uses it as their language has probably amended spelling and usage too. So it is simply not just British or American (US English) What language does Kyle speak ?
Argh, well I've just seen a good recipe for a fryer and zucchini with a cilantro dressing but not sure I will find such exotic ingredients in my local shop, or will I?
Dave
p.s. I KNOW my English mistress would scream at my grammar above. I mean English teacher in case any of you were having other thoughts ; )
Hey, Dave. There are different regions of the US that speak English (American) in different ways. Some folks in Louisiana, for example, sound as though they're from another country to people who live in other parts of the US. People in the South use certain words and phrases that other people in other regions have never heard of, and vice verse. Language-wise, the US is complicated, strange, and unique. And personally I wouldn't have it any other way.
BTW, as to your PS, I did think you meant mistress the way we Yanks use that word until I read your second sentence.:)--Rich
Well, As if I would reveal such a thing on a public forum ; ) !
If we can speak perfectly in our own version of the common tongue and not always understand each other what chance have others.
Thanks for the discussion Rich
Cheers
Dave