David B. Lewis--provides a guide to modern English Usage
- That screwy English language
which can be difficult to learn.
- We must polish the Polish furniture.
- He could lead if he would get the lead out.
- The farm used to produce produce.
- The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
- The soldier decided to desert in the desert.
- This was a good time to present the present. (And this last could mean "gift" or "era of time")
- A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
- When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
- I did not object to the object.
- The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
- The bandage was wound around the wound.
- There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
- They were too close to the door to close it.
- The buck does funny things when the does are present.
- They sent a sewer down to stitch the tear in the sewer line.
- To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
- The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
- After a number of injections my jaw got number.
- Upon seeing the tear in my clothes I shed a tear.
- I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
- How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
- The envelope will envelope the letter once you put it in.
- I read in the letter that you read very well.
- You can bow to the audience, but only after you tie the bow.
- I am a IMA member.
David B. Lewis
Orange County IMA
(transmitted by Ken Chaplin)
