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 #2 (permalink) Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:56 pm Origin of phrase/rule |
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Hi Ken
I have no idea where or when this rhyme originated, but I'm sure the intention was to provide a mnemonic device to help people with spelling. Maybe someone else will be able to come up with information about origin.
The version I learned as a kid was this:
| Quote: |
I before E
except after C,
or when sounding like A
as in neighbor and weigh. |
As I'm sure you know, there are lots of exceptions to this "rule", so exactly how useful it might be as an aid for correct spelling is debatable. However, I personally think these devices can be helpful as long as people keep in mind that they are guidelines and not ironclad rules.
I lived in Germany for a long time, and I remember that one of my biggest problems with spelling in German was whether I had to write 'ie' or 'ei'. Now, my German friends were amazed that I should find this difficult. Nevertheless, it was a constant stumbling block for me -- until I came up with my own little mnemonic device. Afterwards I basically never had a problem with ie vs ei in German again.
:D
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA
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| #3 (permalink) Mon Aug 11, 2008 0:45 am Origin of phrase/rule |
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| Thank you, Amy. So nice of you to respond! I wonder, in the bigger scheme of sacred creation, why there has to even be two different uses/spellings of words, when they sound the same. Why spell like sounding words, two different ways? Oh well, my little brain shouldn't be allowed to ponder such questions. Have a great day, Amy! |
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Kshreve1
New Member
Joined: 09 Aug 2008
Posts: 4
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| Usage of "'d" in nursery rhyme | an expression: hammer lock |
