Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kim Jong Jordan · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Location: The Internet

I just can't explain why we add a second consonant in these instances (eg) swim-swiMMing, big-biGGer. I'm always asked and I blank out. It's just automatic to me. I'm their teacher and I think I should know. Is it one of those "it just is" things?

oneiros · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Location: Villa Straylight

When you have one vowel and one consonant, you double the last consonant.

Otherwise, you'd read the vowel as being long, rather than short. (ie Like when you drop the final "e" when you add an ending)

Wisco Kid · Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Location: Changwon

The consonent has to be doubled in order to keep the preceeding vowel short.

short vowel refresher:

a as in "cat"
e as in "bed"
i as in "sit"
o as in "hot"
u as in "gun"

Long vowel sound refresher:

a as in "make"
ee as in "feet"
i as in "bike"
o as in "boat"
u as in "June"

If you ad -er -est -ed or -ing without doubling the consonent, then it makes the vowel long.

ex. "making" "keeping" "biking" "roped" "cutest"

To see the difference, compare "cuter" and "cutter"
"hoping" and "hopping"

I hope this clears it up a little. There's actually a logical reason for it Wink

Kim Jong Jordan · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Location: The Internet

Thanks a lot!!!!! You have made my students and myself happy. In this case I no longer feel like a tit, but I'm sure other opportunities will present themself.