Issue 196, page 3

Search Home FAQ Links Site map Book Store

BackIssues

New Ask Us Theory About

curmdgeon.GIF (1254 bytes) Curmudgeons' Corner

Curmudgeon Barb Dwyer is still alive and kicking

I am shocked by how often I see the verb pore written as pourTo pore, the Oxford English Dictionary tells us, is to read or study earnestly or with steady application; to be absorbed in reading or study.  The verb is often used with over, as in the following: "She pored over books about the Wars of the Roses, absorbing every fact she could about that era in English history."  To pour over books, one needs something to pour!  Let's hope it's not flammable!

Have you heard or read similar or equally distressing usages?

Do tell us. 

Read this before commenting on this week's Curmudgeons' Corner

Do you enjoy reading Take Our Word For It?  Then help us out with a donation.  It's easy, and you can pay via credit card.  Just click the button.

PREVIOUS  |  NEXT

Comments, additions? Send to Melanie & Mike: melmike@takeourword.com
DO NOT SEND QUERIES TO THAT ADDRESS.  Instead, ASK US.
Copyright © 1995-
2005 TIERE
Last Updated 01/14/05 08:36 PM