The combination "ough" can be pronounced in eight different ways. The following sentences contains them all:
"A rough-coated, dough-faced ploughman strodes through the streets of Scarborough, coughing and hiccoughing thoughtfully."
Working Jacob's grammar book yesterday, I came across this quote. It is one of my favorite examples of how complex and perplexing it can be to learn English. I am sure that Mrs. Velarde can attest to this. This particular grammar strain is even cannonized in a classic I Love Lucy episode.
Technical note: I can not get this youtube clip onto the post as this one. So see the post below to watch this hilarious scene between Lucy and Ricky.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
English is rough enough
Posted by DonnaG at 6:40 AM
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6 comments:
I agree, the english language is fascinating, isn't it? I used to go through a dictionary and just read the words, for fun!
The Lucy clip is hilarious! I enjoyed watching it!
I LOVE LUCY! No seriously I do! I can still turn on reruns and laugh outloud to this day. One of my best friends has called me Lucy for years; well she just moved next door so I guess that would make her Ethel huh? Cute post. :)
This cracked me up. It's so true, however I agree with Ricky. Just spell words the way they sound and be done with it!! Stupid English
I love that episode of Lucy. Yes, English is crazy and frustrating. I find myself checking and rechecking everything before I teach it, because I have seen too many teachers teach a grammar concept incorrectly. Then I question myself over again and recheck.
Thanks for the laugh! I agree with Christy. I still laugh out loud when I watch the reruns. I have read in more than one place that English is one of the hardest languages to learn - along with Chinese. I love Ricky's last line in that clip..."I had enough trouble learning to speak American."
boo-hoo, where are all your great posts? We miss you? Surely with kids and home schooling you have some crazy story to make us feel normal! :) Maybe for Halloween?
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