British vs. American spelling
Feb 15th 2021, 6:03 pm
#166
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Re: British vs. American spelling
I think this piece in Grammarist is fair-minded and sensible. Apparently, “burgle” sounds as ridiculous to Americans as “burglarize” does to British people! She says that both probably arose in the late 19th century, so neither really has historical precedence.
The word burglar, a noun, is not formed from a putative verb, “to burgle.” Such a verb is a British back-formation. As such, “to burglarize” is just as valid a back-formation.
Feb 15th 2021, 7:01 pm
#167
Deep in the woods of CT
Joined: Feb 2010
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Re: British vs. American spelling
https://grammarist.com/usage/burgle-burglarize/
I think this piece in Grammarist is fair-minded and sensible. Apparently, “burgle” sounds as ridiculous to Americans as “burglarize” does to British people! She says that both probably arose in the late 19th century, so neither really has historical precedence.
The word burglar, a noun, is not formed from a putative verb, “to burgle.” Such a verb is a British back-formation. As such, “to burglarize” is just as valid a back-formation.
I think this piece in Grammarist is fair-minded and sensible. Apparently, “burgle” sounds as ridiculous to Americans as “burglarize” does to British people! She says that both probably arose in the late 19th century, so neither really has historical precedence.
The word burglar, a noun, is not formed from a putative verb, “to burgle.” Such a verb is a British back-formation. As such, “to burglarize” is just as valid a back-formation.
Mar 8th 2021, 11:26 pm
#169
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Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
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Re: British vs. American spelling
Here’s an obscure one - it’s not clear whether one alternative is American and one British.
Preventive vs. preventative.
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/preventative-preventive/
Both have been in use since the 17th century. Apparently,
Preventive vs. preventative.
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/preventative-preventive/
Both have been in use since the 17th century. Apparently,
As usual, there is a difference between American and British English. Preventative is only a little less common than preventive for the Brits, whereas Americans rarely use it.
Mar 8th 2021, 11:59 pm
#170
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Mar 9th 2021, 6:55 pm
#172
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Re: British vs. American spelling
Until today I had no idea the word preventative existed, isn't a spelling I ever learned or was familiar with.
Mar 10th 2021, 12:09 am
#173
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Re: British vs. American spelling
I'd use preventative.
Mar 10th 2021, 1:54 am
#174
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
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Re: British vs. American spelling
Chiming in as an American, I have used both.
Jun 16th 2021, 9:17 pm
#175
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Re: British vs. American spelling
Not spelling but sports terms 
Jun 16th 2021, 9:38 pm
#176
Deep in the woods of CT
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Re: British vs. American spelling
OMG, that is absolutely hilarious! An instant classic! Thanks for the big smile.
Jun 16th 2021, 11:33 pm
#177
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 173
Re: British vs. American spelling
Is it a British thing that some people write “could of” instead of “could have”. I absolutely hate it haha
Jun 17th 2021, 12:09 am
#178
Turning into a PA gal!
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: State College PA, finally!
Posts: 3,563
Re: British vs. American spelling
I think it is a back formation from "could've" when people don't realise the origin of the contraction and re-expand it incorrectly.
Jun 17th 2021, 3:25 am
#179
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Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 173
Re: British vs. American spelling
Yes, but is it seen in the US?
