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Math or Maths
So which is "correct".............?
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Re: Math or Maths
Maths. And I should know, I've got a richard in it.
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Re: Math or Maths
Shamelessly pinched from 'Daily Writing Tips'
I use Maths .... There are logical arguments for both spellings. The word “mathematics†can be considered as a singular and as a plural noun. Both the Oxford and the Merriam-Webster dictionaries say the word is plural – hence the s on the end – but also that it is usually used as if it was a singular noun. So, most people would say “mathematics is my best subject†and not “mathematics are my best subjectâ€. The shortened form “mathsâ€, then, makes sense because the word is still a plural noun and so should still have the “s†on the end. On the other hand, it could be argued, “math†makes sense because it seems wrong to remove the letters “ematic†from the middle of the word and leave the final “sâ€. There are a number of other plural nouns that are used as if they were singular – for example economics, ethics, politics, gymnastics, measles and dominoes. These words, however, are not habitually shortened, making math/maths rather an unusual word. It’s sometimes surprising how much argument and disagreement small differences such as that single letter can make. Readers in the UK, for example, sometimes get very upset if someone writes “math†rather than “mathsâ€. No doubt the reverse is true in the US. In practice, it’s simply worth being aware of the geographical differences so that you can use the correct form of the word in your writing. |
Re: Math or Maths
Do the math :sneaky:
Originally Posted by jimf
(Post 10404558)
So which is "correct".............?
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Re: Math or Maths
Originally Posted by jimmydean
(Post 10404585)
Shamelessly pinched from 'Daily Writing Tips'
I use Maths .... There are logical arguments for both spellings. The word “mathematics†can be considered as a singular and as a plural noun. Both the Oxford and the Merriam-Webster dictionaries say the word is plural – hence the s on the end – but also that it is usually used as if it was a singular noun. So, most people would say “mathematics is my best subject†and not “mathematics are my best subjectâ€. The shortened form “mathsâ€, then, makes sense because the word is still a plural noun and so should still have the “s†on the end. On the other hand, it could be argued, “math†makes sense because it seems wrong to remove the letters “ematic†from the middle of the word and leave the final “sâ€. There are a number of other plural nouns that are used as if they were singular – for example economics, ethics, politics, gymnastics, measles and dominoes. These words, however, are not habitually shortened, making math/maths rather an unusual word. It’s sometimes surprising how much argument and disagreement small differences such as that single letter can make. Readers in the UK, for example, sometimes get very upset if someone writes “math†rather than “mathsâ€. No doubt the reverse is true in the US. In practice, it’s simply worth being aware of the geographical differences so that you can use the correct form of the word in your writing. And I worked that out with a pencil. |
Re: Math or Maths
After nearly 4 years of working in a school , I will admit that I have moved over to the dark side and now say "math"
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Re: Math or Maths
If I appear busy, I'm doing math. If I am busy, I'm doing mathematics.
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Re: Math or Maths
I always just said 'doing sums'.
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Re: Math or Maths
WTF cares?
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Re: Math or Maths
Originally Posted by Novocastrian
(Post 10404612)
Bugger that. The vernacular in the UK is maths, in Canada/US it's math.
And I worked that out with a pencil. |
Re: Math or Maths
Originally Posted by jimmydean
(Post 10404585)
Shamelessly pinched from 'Daily Writing Tips'
I use Maths .... There are logical arguments for both spellings. The word “mathematics†can be considered as a singular and as a plural noun. Both the Oxford and the Merriam-Webster dictionaries say the word is plural – hence the s on the end – but also that it is usually used as if it was a singular noun. So, most people would say “mathematics is my best subject†and not “mathematics are my best subjectâ€. The shortened form “mathsâ€, then, makes sense because the word is still a plural noun and so should still have the “s†on the end. On the other hand, it could be argued, “math†makes sense because it seems wrong to remove the letters “ematic†from the middle of the word and leave the final “sâ€. There are a number of other plural nouns that are used as if they were singular – for example economics, ethics, politics, gymnastics, measles and dominoes. These words, however, are not habitually shortened, making math/maths rather an unusual word. It’s sometimes surprising how much argument and disagreement small differences such as that single letter can make. Readers in the UK, for example, sometimes get very upset if someone writes “math†rather than “mathsâ€. No doubt the reverse is true in the US. In practice, it’s simply worth being aware of the geographical differences so that you can use the correct form of the word in your writing. |
Re: Math or Maths
It's like when they don't use a definite article when referring to sports competitions. For example, "Canada didn't make World Cup again."
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Re: Math or Maths
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 10404681)
It's like when they don't use a definite article when referring to sports competitions. For example, "Canada didn't make World Cup again."
Don't get me started on "impact". |
Re: Math or Maths
Originally Posted by Novocastrian
(Post 10404612)
And I worked that out with a pencil.
Extra points. |
Re: Math or Maths
Originally Posted by bats
(Post 10404676)
Gymnastics is habitually shortened to gym. One never did gyms at school, always gym. One never did Jim at school either.
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