Match Wits With Our Word Wizards
(Text-only version of Word Wizards)
Shibboleths in English continued
Make the best word choice for formal writing.
let or leave?
- (Let, Leave)
me alone or I'll go to the EEOC.
- If you (let,
leave) well enough alone,
I'll (let, leave)
you in on a secret.
- (Let, Leave)
me now and don't bother to come back.
- Specify all necessary values; never
(let, leave)
the top and bottom box values remain at 0.
- If the grid is to be stretched equally toward both the top
and bottom, (let, leave)
the bottom/top setting at 50 (default).
lend or loan?
- Harry went to his
(lending,
loaning) institution to apply for a new
car (lend, loan).
- The directors agreed to
(lend, loan)
some money to microgravity
research from their discretionary fund.
- "Friends, Romans, Countrymen,
(lend, loan)
me your ears . . ."
said Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar.
- Unfortunately, some people who
(lend, loan)
personal property don't get it back.
- It was part of the new
(lend-lease, loan-lease)
agreement.
- The sunset
(lent, loaned)
a tranquil quality to the noisy launch.
For an explanation of let, leave, lend,
and loan, see Quirks of English.
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Last updated: 1/20/2009
