The Grammar and Spelling Thread

[FrostyBoy]

Not so, "maths" is short for mathematics, and it's not spelt mathematic. Hence the s on the end of math.

Those who do say math and know it is incorrect, are probably just too lazy to create the "s" sound after creating the "th" sound.

[DAVOUT]

So the rule for shorting words is first syllabe + last letter?

[Nubclear]

It depends on whether you speak American English or something else

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I'm trying to think of other examples that would test the point one way or the other.

The only two I can think of are actually both American. (1) In baseball, the Oakland Athletics are referred to as the Oakland A's, not the Oakland A; and (2) Americans in this part of the world -- especially military guys -- routinely refer to the Philippines as "the Phils."

So "maths" it is.

Edit: Though there is the question of whether "mathematics" is, in fact, a plural. Is there such a thing as a "mathematic"? If not -- if mathematics is either a singular that coincidently ends in "s" or is a collective noun -- then neither of my examples apply and "math," not "maths," would be the correct abbreviation.

[FrostyBoy]

I agree, there should be no "s" on the end of maths. But I think the reason we put an s on the end is to make it sound plural. As if to make it sound like mathematics covers a lot of subjects - which it does.

[Frozzy]

Gymnastics isn't shortened to Gyms.

[FrostyBoy]

Then lets just conclude that English is a ****ed up language.

[Cort Haus]

I say maths. You say math.
I say colour. You say color.

I say behind. Who says in-back?

[TCO]

I mess up then and than a lot. I think I have a feel for the subjunctive, but still don't always get it right. Used to mess up data being plural versus singular (think I have that now). Also sometimes mess up case with me/I (taller than I versus taller than me). I don't really know what a split infinitive is, so likely mess that up. I tend to just use who versus whom (not sure when to use whom). Also end sentences with prepositions a lot.

[Harovan]

Originally posted by Solver
This one always surprises me. The sheer amount of native speakers making the its - it's mistake is amazing, given how it's a very simple rule. Certainly simple compared to the many other rules in English, but no - for some weird reason, you see people remembering the harder rules.

You misspelled wierd! Where did you recieve your education?

[Cort Haus]

Originally posted by TCO
I don't really know what a split infinitive is, so likely mess that up.

"To boldy go" is surely the most famous split-infinitive in the world.

Or as Douglas Adams put it : "to bodly split infinitives that no man has split before".

[Arrian]

Maths may be more correct, but it will always be Math to me. I can't help it - Maths sounds strange.

My pet peeves here at Apolyton OTF:

"hypocracy" - hypocrisy.
"rediculous" - ridiculous.

I've never liked our spelling of judgment. I've always thought it should be judgement. If it is spelt that way in the UK, I have at least some backup for judgement. Excellent.

I also occasionally put the u into honour and colour... I'm a transatlantic sorta guy.

-Arrian

[Harovan]

I loved my calvary back in Civ3 times. You could ride a whole empire down, if you were the first to get to calvs. Of course only on diety, or sometimes emporer.

Those were the days, when you still needed salt pepper for musketmen.

[LordShiva]

I like "judgment." It's not a US-only thing.

[Cort Haus]

Originally posted by Sir Ralph
I loved my calvary back in Civ3 times. You could ride a whole empire down, if you were the first to get to calvs. Of course only on diety, or sometimes emporer.

Those were the days, when you still needed salt pepper for musketmen.