wont and won't

[solbjerg]

Hi

We are all sometimes lazy when we write. Therefore we sometimes write wont instead of won't.

Wont means what we are accustomed to do

While won't means will not

 

Wont is very similar to the Danish word vant (~til) (accustomed to)

Et vant also in Danish means a shroud on a ship or a stay on a ship.

 

Just a little stray thought :-)

 

Cheers

solbjerg

[Melvin_Deal]

Thanks

 

Yes in American English this is puzzling as there is "won't"... will not. Which may be a further contraction of wouldn't.

 

In American English would be "want" (accustomed to, enjoy, and prefer).

 

 

Sincerely

 

-Mel

 

Live long and prosper!

[solbjerg]

hi Melvin

nice to see you again

Actually Microsoft Bookshelf basic says:

1. Accustomed or used: "The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold world" (Henry David Thoreau).

2. Likely: chaotic as holidays are wont to be. (usually are)

Use and wont are terms for the customary and distinctive practice of an individual or a group

This dictionary doesn't offer other explanation for won't than will not

Luckily they do not put an o or a u into cannot - can't :-)

Cheers

solbjerg

 

 

Yes in American English this is puzzling as there is "won't"... will not. Which may be a further contraction of wouldn't.

 

In American English would be "want" (accustomed to, enjoy, and prefer).

 

 

Sincerely

 

-Mel

 

Live long and prosper!

[dv8cowboy]

Actually...

 

hi Melvin

nice to see you again

Actually Microsoft Bookshelf basic says:

1. Accustomed or used: "The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold world" (Henry David Thoreau).

2. Likely: chaotic as holidays are wont to be. (usually)

This dictionary doesn't offer other explanation for won't than will not

Luckily they do not put an o or a u into cannot - can't :-)

Cheers

solbjerg

 

 

I have never in my life thought of 'wont',let alone use it.It is more like I will write 'would not' if I am not in a hurry.

 

...in a rush I am as guilty as anyone of using 'won't' or 'wouldn't'! :mrgreen:

 

 

 

-Cowboy

[mithcd]

Wont means what we are accustomed to do

 

New vocabulary for me! Trully, I didn't know that the word "wont" even exist! I looked this up and here's the exact meaning.

 

(of a person) in the habit of doing something; accustomed.

he was wont to arise at 5:30 every morning"

one's customary behavior in a particular situation.

"Constance, as was her wont, had paid her little attention"