2006-04-18

the word 'learnt' - it does exist, folks

As someone who runs a website, you need to be aware of the difference between the American and British language.

Now, I'm British, so that's the langugae that 'comes out' first, when I write. But I understand that most of the people who visit Sleepydust are familiar with American english. So, I have had to really 'retrain' my brain to spell words the American way e.g. 'center' instead of 'centre'.

But hey! I was taught the English language the British way, so sometimes I do slip up and forget to use American english...

Somewhere on my site (I think it might be in the disclaimer), I forgot to use the American term 'learned', and used the British term, 'learnt', instead.

The other day, I got a really smart (and rather snotty) message from someone, telling me that he'd "never heard of the word 'learnt'" in anything he's ever read. "Ever. Period." (I quote).

Sigh.

I guess it does sound wierd if you've only ever come across 'learned'. But then 'learned' to me, sounds wierd, so go figure. lol

So to the smarty-pants who left me that note (without leaving me an email to which I could respond to defend myself):

"learnt vb. a past tense or the past participle of learn." - Collins English Dictionary --

But anyway - my stupid fault for forgetting to use American English, I guess. So...

Note to self: I have learnt that when it comes to writing the word learnt I must remember to write learned instead. ;)

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