In a message dated 07/05/2007 23:52:36 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Dear C & C, "a lot of websites use use rooves for the plural of roof" for the very good reason that is correct (though roofs is also allowed these days). See the Oxford English Dictionary and Eric Partridge's "Usage and abusage". Whatever your preferred spelling, most people pronounce it rooves so why no spell it so? Likewise hooves may take either plural type. Regards, David David, Funny that. The Oxford Concise says that "roofs" is the plural and "rooves" is the disputed plural. The Oxford Guide to English Usage says use roofs not rooves. So who arbitrates on the arbitrators? Regards, John Parker John Parker Cornerways, Highwood, ROMSEY, Hampshire, SO51 9AF 07733 310438 (Mobile) 01794 515257 (Home) 01794 511382 (Fax) E-mail: [email protected]

My dictionary says the opposite Roofs is the correct plural!!! Oh well have to call them house coverings in future!! LOL Hopefully subject closed! Chris ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2007 10:21 PM Subject: Re: [ENG-HANTS] Village website updates - Longstock In a message dated 07/05/2007 23:52:36 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Dear C & C, "a lot of websites use use rooves for the plural of roof" for the very good reason that is correct (though roofs is also allowed these days). See the Oxford English Dictionary and Eric Partridge's "Usage and abusage". Whatever your preferred spelling, most people pronounce it rooves so why no spell it so? Likewise hooves may take either plural type. Regards, David David, Funny that. The Oxford Concise says that "roofs" is the plural and "rooves" is the disputed plural. The Oxford Guide to English Usage says use roofs not rooves. So who arbitrates on the arbitrators? Regards, John Parker