Full or ful? I found a website that explains why the difference! And the reason is, as you might imagine, knowing American English, is crazy! Check out this link if you are interested in more explanation, diagrams, and examples: Why is the word ‘full’ spelled with a double-l, but in words like helpful, careful, and wishful, there is only one ? – Spelling Is Not Crazy
For the simplest answer, “ll” at the end of words is for words that are stand-alone words. “l” at the end of words is for suffixes. The link gives you more clues, so check it out.
In that mode – and recognizing that this post is in November – America’s Thanksgiving month – I now focus on being thankful (one “l” 😉). The Orlando Sentinel newspaper regularly publishes a “Ticked Off” column where readers write in about events that tick them off. At the end of the several ticked off items is a “The Flip Side” section where one reader writes in about something nice. Here is the Flip Side text from October, 2024:
- “There are so many other things for which I am grateful that I have no space in my brain for being ticked off about silly petty things.”
I thought it was appropriate for this month’s blog post. I am thankful for my family and friends who I love and who love me and care about me. THANK YOU! 🤗
And you know we do care about you. AND we do enjoy learning about this crazy English we speak and write! (Albeit we sometimes do it wrongly!)
Thank you, Carol, for your caring – I know that you do, and I appreciate it! :).
AND I am SO glad that you enjoy learning about the weirdness of our American English language. Look forward to more in 2025! My students keep asking me the most amazing questions that make me question . . . everything? Haha.
Remembering to be mindful
Thank you, Ryan, for your thoughts. I have heard the phrase, “mindful,” many times before, but always thought of it as the same as being “in the present,” etc. I think I should have equated the thought with being mindful of other people, not just me. Like opening the door for someone else. Hmm . . . much to consider.
I ate too many grapes and became grapeful.
Oh, Adam. I laughed so hard at your comment; thank you for the funny, yet apropos comment!
I will never think of “grateful” again without thinking of “grapeful”!
Extra funny – when I typed in “grapeful,” this website told me this wasn’t a real word. Well, maybe it should be! 😂