Re: irregularities

On Mon, 11 Jun 2001 Robert Hailman wrote:
> John Cowan wrote:
> >
> > Christophe Grandsire scripsit:
> >
> > > Is the spelling "spelt" out-dated? That's the one we learn in
> > > English classes in France! We also learn that "spelled" can
> > > be found, but must be considered incorrect in formal writing!
> > > What's up with it then?
> >
> > It's archaic in North America, but the standard everywhere
> > else,  AFAICT. It also reflects an actual difference in
> > pronunciation, unlike most Commonwealth vs. American
> > spelling differences.
>
> Hmm. Here in Canada, I write "spelt" and say /spElt/. "Spelled"
> seems... wrong to me.
In my dialect, I'd use "spelt" in reference to writing, but I'd use
"spelled" to mean "temporarily took the place of" (as in "I spelled
her at the receptionist desk while she took a break").
--Tommie

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