English Language Got You Out on a Bow? I Mean Bough? How About a Limb?
I have often said that if I had to learn English as a second language, I think I would pull my hair out. It’s crazy how many usages are so confusing. It's confusing enough for those for whom English is their first language!
Take ough for example.
How can it be? How can such a small set of letters become SO confusing? The combination of ough will play tricks on even the most astute of writers. This little sneak will keep you on your toes for sure.
Perhaps the following list will help. (Or perhaps not!)
• Cough rhymes with off
• Bough rhymes with ow
• Though rhymes with oh
• Thought rhymes with aw
• Through rhymes with ooo (as in you)
• Tough rhymes with uff
How can one set of letters have so many different pronunciations? It just does, that's all!
A writer's only defense is to study, learn, and remain ever diligent!
And if you're game for a few grins and giggles, check this out!
Take a deep breath. You will survive.
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wow thank you for sharing :-D
Wow..this is new for me..thanks for the writing
I've read the "English is weird" things so many times and it never ceases to amuse me. Great article. I'm also a ESL learner.
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