SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Pastimes : SI Grammar and Spelling Lab

 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: David C. Burns who wrote (2189)3/21/1999 9:30:00 PM
From: Jack Clarke  Read Replies (4) of 4711
 
David:

We see this mistake in the supermarket, where there are lines designated "10 items or
less" instead of "10 items or fewer.">>


Supermarkets are wonderful places to see what's going on with language evolution. As our written language diminishes as compared with our spoken one, we see instances of incorrect written forms which "sound" like the quickly spoken ones. For example:

CAN VEGETABLES instead of "canned", or one of my favorites, seen on a roadside stand:

BOIL PEANUTS

Say the correct form rapidly, and you'll see how this is becomes written on a sign.

Jack
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext