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 woman and dog illustration
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there

play mrs malaprop
What is a malaprop?

 

We'll tell you all the perpendiculars

play video his or her
Is singular 'they' a better choice?

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

play further vs farther video
Further vs. Farther

 

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

play ismo merriam webster one
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "The One-derful Won"

 

Comedian ISMO tries to figure out 'one' and 'two'

play ismo merriam webster tip
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'