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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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"is" replaces "are"?
Guest
1
2012/04/14 - 10:28am

Perhaps I am just becoming hyper-sensitized to this, but, in spoken English "is" seems to have become a pleural form of "to be", almost an equivalent of "are". Not only do I hear this routinely hear this in casual conversations, but I hear it in interviews with knowledgable individuals and even on-air commentators and reporters. Thoughts from anyone?  

Guest
2
2012/04/14 - 2:29pm

Do you have an example?

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3
2012/04/14 - 3:13pm

I learn a word today-pleural, as in

"the pleural cavity is the potential space between the two pleura (visceral and parietal) of the lungs."

I like kidding around, DrPhysio, because I am atroshious speller.

EmmettRedd
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4
2012/04/14 - 6:20pm

RobertB said:

I learn a word today-pleural, as in

"the pleural cavity is the potential space between the two pleura (visceral and parietal) of the lungs."

I like kidding around, DrPhysio, because I am atroshious speller.

Growing up we always called sharp pains in the chest associated with breathing, pleursy. This description of it seems much more serious than what we had. Mom would say it was air trapped between the lungs and ribs. A bear hug while trying to breathe was the treatment.

Occurrence was rather common; someone in the family would have it once every few months. RobertB, did you have them and, if so, what did you call them?

Emmett

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