Wednesday, December 4, 2013

prophecy/prophesy: Common Errors in English Usage Entry for Wednesday, December 4, 2013

prophecy/prophesy
“Prophecy,” the noun (pronounced “PROF-a-see”), is a prediction. The verb “to prophesy” (pronounced “PROF-a-sigh”) means to predict something. When a prophet prophesies he or she utters prophecies.

Outside of Bob Dylan’s lyrics, writers and critics do not “prophesize.” They prophesy.

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When is an error common? Paul Brians' latest blog entry provides the details.

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