Weird is weird

[InzeladunMaster]

Is there a particular reason "weird" doesn't follow the "i" before "e" except after "c" rule?

Mostly, I am just testing this forum, and just couldn't think of a real topic concerning me. I've got a bit of writer's block today anyway, which is rare for me.

 

[Fyrestryke]

Is there a particular reason "weird" doesn't follow the "i" before "e" except after "c" rule?

Mostly, I am just testing this forum, and just couldn't think of a real topic concerning me. I've got a bit of writer's block today anyway, which is rare for me.

I always wondered that myself... Wierd, huh?

 

[pensiv]

the "i" before "e" rule is not really a rule, it is a (flawed) mnemonic. There are numerous examples of exceptions to this "rule"

science, species, caffeine, either, neither, protein, leisure, heifer, seize

just to name a few.

 

[thormagni]

IMHO, spelling, much like grammar, is an artificial creation imposed on a verbal language. ostensibly to make written communication easier to understand. It's like a d20 license for the spoken word, standardizing the format. But the spoken word is crazily organic and refuses to be locked into such narrow constraints. Those who argue that there are hard-fast rules in either are really, really silly.

It always seems that the biggest grammar and spelling proponents are people who can't string two words together to make an interesting sentence. Being creative and being pedantic about the rules of the language are mutually exclusive. The problem comes when the spelling/grammar knights assume they are the guardians of a mythical castle whose job it is to smite all those who seek to enter.

 

[pensiv]

Well, there is a reason for spelling and grammar conventions and it is ease of communication.

It's one thing to obssess over proper spelling and grammar--if your sentences are understandable, it's not really an issue.

For what I feel is a good example of what can happen when one almost completely ignores the conventions of spelling and grammar I point you to any post by Felikeries.