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Ask-A-Linguist - Message details
Subject: Word Substitution Based on Sound, not Meaning
Question:
I have just experienced something that colleagues have told me they have also had happen to them:

I was typing an e-mail to a colleague and aimed to write ''How can I make sure I get your signature?'' Instead, I substituted, ''How can I make *your I get your signature?'' Naturally, I didn't notice it, despite having read through the e-mail before sending it. My colleague pointed this out to me and wonders whether it has something to do with the sound of the words. That is, ''your'' and ''sure'' can be pronounced similarly.

Any thoughts?

From: Kyle Frackman
Date: Aug-24-2009
Replies:
  1. Re: Word Substitution Based on Sound, not Meaning Nancy J. Frishberg   (Sep-09-2009)
  2. Re: Word Substitution Based on Sound, not Meaning James L Fidelholtz   (Aug-31-2009)
  3. Re: Word Substitution Based on Sound, not Meaning Elizabeth J Pyatt   (Aug-31-2009)
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Page Updated: 26-Nov-2009

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