Words that make English Such a Difficult Language

[Absalom]

What do those in Poland use to shine their shoes? Polish polish.

And I can recall a number of occasions at ball games, county fairs, festivals, etc. when hand-painted signs at food stands offered "polish sausage", and the poor kids serving didn't get it when I inquired what kind of polish they used on their sausages. I can be mean .

 

[kaaskop49]

What about subtle distinctions in the language like
number vs. amount
farther vs. further
?

I was just listening to the oldies station and heard a singer wishing he could find the word "with the right amount of letters, just the right sound ..."

Ok, it's only a pop song, and "with the right number of letters ..." somehow sounds too clinical. But heck, make it "with all the right letters, just the right sound ..." or the like. It's not Shakespeare.

..."Cherish" by The Association. You're right, it's not Shakespeare, but it is a lovely song. What grinds me is the improper use of "I" as in, "My mother loves my brother and I." Not bad enough that it's incorrect, but it has become common usage on TV.

Kaaskop49
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