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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.

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The Schwa

 

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

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A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

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Some imitative words are more surprising than others

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Thawing one of the mysteries of English

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A definitive answer.

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Is there one standard way?

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