Almost Always Clearly Confused by Oxymorons

Have you ever noticed how funny the English language really is? I have heard that it is one of the hardest languages to learn. I have no doubt! This article will go over a few of the funny aspects of the English language. How it makes no sense, yet we speak it almost exactly perfect.

Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. This is one of the funniest parts of the English language. We use oxymorons all of the time. Here are a few examples. Black light, bittersweet, half full and definitely maybe. Did you notice I used one in the first paragraph?

Then we have those words that are spelled generally the same but ever so often another word, similarly spelled, will have a completely different sound? Examples: rough, tough and bough. On top of that the ough sound also sounds different in words like thought and through. There are also those words that are spelled exactly alike but can sound completely different. Words such as lead, read, and live all can be read two different ways, depending on how you use them in a sentence. It is a wonder we ever learned how to read and write.

A lot of words sounds the same but have different spellings and meanings. They are called homonyms. Some examples of those words are: so, sew, and sow. In learning the English language you not only have to learn the correct spelling of words but their meanings and placement in a sentence.

Another fun aspect of the English language is learning the silent letters and when they are silent. This summer I sat in a reading class with my son and apparently there are far more silent letters in words then I was aware of. I always thought you said the l sound in the words talk and walk. I also thought every letter was heard in the word Christmas, but supposedly the letter t is suppose to be silent. Who knew!

Even with all of the different rules and learning in the English language it is still learned everyday. It is also spoken everyday with great fluency. Once you know all the rules of the English language you have it made. Here is your homework for today. Be aware and pay attention of words and phrases that you use and try to figure out what rule they follow. See if you hear or say any oxymorons today.