The following tweet and resulting class discussion prompted today’s post:
The discussion concerned the use of “dreamt.” Should he have used “dreamed” instead?
Both are correct, but “dreamed” is standard American, while “dreamt” is a British thing. So #Ross can use “dreamt” without raising an eyebrow, along with “regards,” “towards,” “spilt” and “learnt.” Americans drop that “s” in the former two and use the “ed” form in the latter two.
And that brings me to other “ed” issues.
- The correct past tense of the verb “to plead” is “pleaded” (at least according to AP Style). Sorry “pled” lovers.
- The preferred pronunciation of “striped” is “strEYEpt.” Fortunately for Claire, Merriam-Webster also allows “strEYE-ped.”
- The most common pronunciation of “blessed” is “BLESS-ed,” but Merriam allows the one syllable variant as well. It depends on how you use it. One syllable for “I’ve been blessed with a generally even-keeled demeanor, even in the face of perceived classroom disrespect” and two for a use such as “I never get one blessed moment of peace at home.”
And by the way, I have never brought any Starburst candy for class — laced with drugs or not.
Observe and report 
What? No Starburst? What kind of teacher are you?
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The kind who prefers chocolate.
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