I know this one! I hear you say. -ise is British English, and -ize is American English. That’s it, isn’t it?
Basically yes, but also no, not really. Continue reading
ise or ize?
thoughts in English
Commiserations
Football’s not coming home after all then. In fact, it’s probably going to France. Plucky England did very well to get to the semi-final of the World Cup, and they can be proud of getting so far, and working so hard, with a fairly limited team.
Well done England, but also, commiserations. Continue reading
French-Language Thoughts
Yesterday on Facebook, I wrote briefly about the French phrase tenir la chandelle (literally to hold the candle), which means to play gooseberry. This got me thinking a little about the French verb tenir, which then led me to think about how it relates to the French word maintenant.
And yes, this is all about French, but in honour of France qualifying for the World Cup Final tonight*, I thought it was time for a little change of pace, and some French-Language Thoughts!™ Continue reading
We are not Amused
The word we is a pretty simple one, isn’t it? You’re not going to get confused about what it means, or how to spell it, are you? Probably not, but what about how it’s used in the title there? Continue reading
Gooseberry
I’ve recently moved apartment again. One of my housemates in my apartment had always planned to move in with his wife at the end of the lease. I didn’t want to be a third wheel (or a fifth wheel), so I’m moving on.
Another way to refer to being a person who accompanies a couple, usually awkwardly, is to say they’re a gooseberry. Which seems quite unfair to gooseberries, as they’re just innocent fruit. Where does this association come from? Continue reading
Writhing in Agony
To writhe (verb): to twist, wring, or contort (a part of the body)
From the Proto-Germanic *wrīþaną, meaning twist or turn. Continue reading
Despite
This is a pretty common preposition, along with the slightly more formal in spite of. It’s not a word you might use every day, but it’s common enough, especially in written English.
Still, when you think about it, it’s a bit odd, isn’t it? Continue reading
English-Language Thoughts 