play video schwa
Usage Notes

The Schwa

The most common vowel sound in English causes many spelling problems.


The schwa is one significant reason that English is difficult to spell. A single sound that can be spelled many different ways leads to occasional confusion for almost all of us. And even the very best spellers sometimes have to admit, I fought the schwa and the schwa won.

Up next

play video schwa
The Schwa

 

The most common vowel sound in English causes many spelling problems.

play image1815466723
How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

 

And is one way more correct than the others?

play further vs farther video
Further vs. Farther

 

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

play hot mess
Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

play mrs malaprop
What is a malaprop?

 

We'll tell you all the perpendiculars

play semantic bleaching text on white background
What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'?

 

How 'literally' can mean "figuratively"

play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.