MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Common Errors in English Usage

Gatton · 05-30-2005, 02:16 PM

Thanks for this one Doctorow! I admit I'm a bit of a language buff but I think many people would find this interesting. I've converted the text version and I think I'll leave it on my reader so I can enjoy it in short doses. Brians has a fun and witty style as evidenced here:

BREACH/BREECH

Substitute a K for the CH in “breach” to remind you that the word has to do with breakage: you can breach (break through) a dam or breach (violate the terms of) a contract. As a noun, a breach is something broken off or open, as in a breach in a military line during combat.

“Breech” however, refers to rear ends, as in “breeches” (slang spelling “britches” ). Thus “breech cloth,” “breech birth,” or “breech-loading gun.”

“Once more into the breach, dear friends,” means “let’s fill up the gap in the line of battle,” not “let’s reach into our pants again.”

05-30-2005, 02:16 PM	#2
Gatton Groupie Posts: 151 Karma: 368 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Charlotte, NC Device: Kindle Paperwhite 2021, assorted Fire tablets.	Thanks for this one Doctorow! I admit I'm a bit of a language buff but I think many people would find this interesting. I've converted the text version and I think I'll leave it on my reader so I can enjoy it in short doses. Brians has a fun and witty style as evidenced here: BREACH/BREECH Substitute a K for the CH in “breach” to remind you that the word has to do with breakage: you can breach (break through) a dam or breach (violate the terms of) a contract. As a noun, a breach is something broken off or open, as in a breach in a military line during combat. “Breech” however, refers to rear ends, as in “breeches” (slang spelling “britches” ). Thus “breech cloth,” “breech birth,” or “breech-loading gun.” “Once more into the breach, dear friends,” means “let’s fill up the gap in the line of battle,” not “let’s reach into our pants again.”