I've really tried to ignore the inability of some people to spell words correctly. I've tried to be understanding that not everyone was privileged to have the secondary education that I enjoyed. But the rampant misuse of ONE WORD IN PARTICULAR is very troubling to me...and I'm afraid that before long, no one will remember how to use this word correctly. It's the word LOSE.Does anyone remember that word? Because I haven't seen it in a LONG TIME. Seems like people are "loosing" things a lot...and it's driving me INSANE.
So, quick lesson for you all: you LOSE something, which means you have misplaced it or got drunk the night before and flailed it asunder. You didn't LOOSE it...that word means to make something "less tight." Unless, in some strange event, you lose your belt after loosening it, then you are allowed to use those words in the same sentence. Just in that instance.
You are "losing" the battle. Oh, and we seem to have the spelling of the word "lost" down okay - can we maybe draw on that knowledge, to remember the base word has ONE, and ONLY ONE "o?"
You don't LOOSE an election - you LOSE it. I know it's tough, this English language, with all the bizarro rules. You are used to pronouncing the singular vowel in a word structured like "lose" with a STRONG vowel sound, right? It's got that "e" at the end, with that funky consonant right before it. So, it doesn't seem right - "lose" is one of those words that defies the rules.
But that's why I like "lose." It's unique. It doesn't follow the crowd. So, please, for the love of the poor word, use "lose," okay? Please?
24 comments:
I'm with you on this one, Tiff. Whenever I see the misuse of "loose," it makes my teeth clench.
The gospel according to Tiggerlane, Amen.
Agreed.
Off the Hook.
Ooo! Good rant!
I've been doing that ironically for while. Calling people loosers. I was just trying to be funny-like.
I agree with correct word usage. It stands out like a sore thumb.
Hallelujah and pass the thesaurus!
I couldn't have said it better myself. If everyone would just use the word correctly, I wouldn't have to LOSE my mind!
Dude, I love you so much. Like, a lot.
(Hey! Did you see that? A LOT? THOSE ARE TWO WORDS, PEOPLE.)
/rant
;)
I'm pretty sure I use that one correctly, but I'm sure their are alot that I misuse.
That was a little joke - just to drive you crazy. :)
BTW - I moved. Previously GiveItaTry - now Hineykapoople. I can't remember if I ever told you.
desert songbird - it does the same thing to me, only my OTHER cheeks clench.
mark - you reaffirm my suspicious that there are STILL people in this world who care about this stuff! Hooray!
aoj and the lurchers - why, thank you!
m@ - I am not amused.
junebug - and I want to scream, every time I see such a travesty of the English language!
sandy - glad I am not alone! Am I preaching to the choir?
melissa - I know, and I know you want to have my babies. I get that. A lot. (You're freakin' awesome, too - ya know it?)
beckie - you didn't tell me! And OMG...don't get me started on their/there/they're...I'll blow a blood vessel in my little brain. I'll come visit you at the new place soon!
Something for you at my place!
You crack me up in so many ways! It's wonderful having a friend that makes me laugh!!!
I truly think a big part of the problem is that schools no longer teach spelling in the manner that we were taught. You can thank NCLB and standardized testing. I also firmly believe that all the little spelling short cuts in text messaging wreak havoc with students' ability to spell. A couple of opinions from the trenches, so to speak.
...we'll just let you loose on them! ha ha
I think you have a screw lose, no wait, make that loose!
Actually I used lose correctly in a post not long ago.
Yeah, tell them to lose the double o!
Great post - spelling and grammar do not seem to be very desirable out here on the WWW.
Wow!
LOL! I thought that was just how you all spell over there! I'm always doubting my own spelling with the American spell check! You spell things differently to standard English! Having said that I know exactly where you are coming from. It seems slang is becoming more and more acceptable these days, much to my chagrin! My children have for years used the word trot instead of trod. No matter how much I correct them they continue to say it. (They learned it from watching too many American sitcoms!)
I admit that that's a pet peeve of mine as well.
I totally agree. I don't even think they teach grammar and spelling anymore. Which is sad. Very, very sad.
I'm so excited to see a post from you, I think I'm losing it!
Right, right, right!
I don;t mind misspellings due to typos...but when it gets obvious that there is really some problems...oh my...I say...please learn! LOL
I agree, so many people confuse loose with lose...now that you've clarified...hope this helps...and hope they google when they are confuse and gets here! ;)
Also, some people misuse too and to...*sigh*
If someone can't spell lose does that make them a "looser?"
My neighbor's kid has a lose tooth and she's afraid she'll loose it.
Are you at a loose for words? I mean, losen up, it could be worse. You could loose your mind.
aoj & the lurchers - I LOVE presents...even if it is a feeble attempt to get me to post more often.
arkansas songbird - text messaging really does hurt - along with myspace. Plus, kids don't read anymore.
pamela - loose, with a losing proposition!
wt - I am proud! And bloggers tend to be more cognizant of proper spelling.
claudia - YES! Unless, of course, it feels just that good...
dlyn - sadly, it's bleeding over into other mediums.
lodo grdzak - back atchya!
karisma - we really do bastardize the language over here. It's sad. And I apologize!
angelina - glad I'm not the only one!
bichonpawz - I think you're right - I'm a phonics girl, for sure.
kila - LOL! I need to come visit your new site - you are SO busy, and you always post - I feel guilty!
mariposa - too and to, you are SO right...another pet peeve. Now I have more blog material!
swampy - love ya, but could you stop with the fingernails on the chalkboard? GRR! LOL!
AMEN Sista!!
I also hate the wrong spelling for know. It is K N O W people, not NOW. *LOL*
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