Sir: Is "used to" a legitimate expression? How do you pronounce it? How do you spell it? How do you use it correctly? How did it originate?
- Nancy G.
Answer: Gee, what a lot of questions for two little words! Yes, it's a legitimate (and versatile) expression. You pronounce it "use to" as if there were no "d." You spell it "used to," most of the time. Now for the correct use.
Put a form of the verb "be" before it and follow it with the "ing" form of a verb, and it means accustomed to (They are used to sitting around the fire). Leave off the "be" verb and follow it with a simple verb form, and it means a former practice or custom (They used to sit around the fire).
Use it without the "d" and with a form of "did," and you get a negative statement or a question (You didn't use to sit around the fire).
How the expression originated isn't clear, but aren't we glad it did?
Sir: I notice that, when speaking, many people use "try and" instead of "try to," as in "I'll try and find the book." Now this practice seems to be common in print as well. Are the writers guilty of the same error, or are they simply reflecting the common usage?
- Gary G.
Answer: First, ask yourself who says it's an error. True, some grammarians do, but many others disagree. If you wish to be cautious, use "try to" in very formal writing, but feel free to use "try and" at other times if you prefer.
They tell me it's quite common in England, which sometimes is hardly hidebound at all.
Sir: The newspaper headline on the enclosed story said Singapore "wants to limit cigarettes to people under age 18." Don't you think "from people" would have been better?
- Julie C.
Answer: Perhaps, but changing "limit" to "ban" or "forbid" is what's really needed, as the story makes clear. And the way the headline reads, Singapore may have wanted to allow smoking by kids only. We can't have that!
UNFAIR CHARGE of the week, discovered by Jim M.:
"I read that a college football player had been charged with `wreckless driving.' Personally, I feel a person who drives wrecklessly should be rewarded, not arrested."
Lydel Sims of the Commercial Appeal in Memphis writes this column weekly.
Send questions, comments, and good and bad examples to Lydel Sims, Watch Your Language, 366 S. Highland, Apt. 410, Memphis, TN 38111. If you quote a book, please give author, title and page number. Sorry, but questions can be answered only through this column.