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

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

play no Image
Why Do People Pronounce It "Nucular"?

 

A linguistic analysis of a notorious pronunciation

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

 

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

play merriam-webster eggcorns title page
What Is an Eggcorn?

 

And how did it get that name?

play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.