"Humans are reading and writing more than they have in decades. They have to be getting smarter!"

I came up with this brilliant theory a while ago. I theorized that the Internet was forcing us all to be more literate. Humankind would become more intelligent because one must type on a keyboard in order to interact with others on the web.

Think about it. Sure, the Internet is a visual medium but there's a hell of a lot of text involved. People that never enjoyed reading are enjoying it because on the net, reading is fun! People that would never use a keyboard if it weren't for the web are becoming proficient at the secretarial art. People are texting each other like mad on message boards, through IM and chat. Anyone can type out rants and fantasies on a free weblog. Humans are reading and writing more than they have in decades. They have to be getting smarter!

I was going to write about my brilliant theory but I changed my mind. I have serious doubts about my theory primarily because I ran across a word on a website.

Until the Internet came along, I never knew that the misuse of two little words would dash my hopes for the future of mankind. I see them abused at least once a week on message boards, professional websites and blogs. Nobody even challenges it anymore. It's like the new word is taking over for the old word. I am gravely concerned for the future of these two words. I am convinced that if we don't solve this word abuse now, all hope will be lost.

PLEASE. For the sake of humanity. Learn the difference between these two words, before it's too late.

Entry: lose
Pronunciation: 'lüz
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): lost /'lost/; los·ing /'lü-zi[ng]/
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English losian to perish, lose, from los destruction; akin to Old English lEosan to lose; akin to Old Norse losa to loosen, Latin luere to atone for, Greek lyein to loosen, dissolve, destroy.
Transitive Senses

1a: to bring to destruction -- used chiefly in passive construction <the ship was lost on the reef> b : DAMN <if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul -- Matthew 16:26 (Authorized Version)>

2: to miss from one's possession or from a customary or supposed place

3: to suffer deprivation of : part with especially in an unforeseen or accidental manner

4a: to suffer loss through the death or removal of or final separation from (a person) b : to fail to keep control of or allegiance of <lose votes> <lost his temper>

5a: to fail to use : let slip by : WASTE <lose the tide> b (1) : to fail to win, gain, or obtain <lose a prize> <lose a contest> (2) : to undergo defeat in <lost every battle> c : to fail to catch with the senses or the mind <lost part of what she said>

6: to cause the loss of <one careless statement lost him the election>

7: to fail to keep, sustain, or maintain <lost my balance>

8a: to cause to miss one's way or bearings <lost himself in the maze of streets> b : to make (oneself) withdrawn from immediate reality <lost herself in daydreaming>

9a: to wander or go astray from vlost his way> b : to draw away from : OUTSTRIP <lost his pursuers>

10: to fail to keep in sight or in mind

11: to free oneself from : get rid of <dieting to lose some weight>
Intransitive Senses

AND

Entry: loose
Pronunciation: 'lüs
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): loos·er; loos·est
Etymology: Middle English lous, from Old Norse lauss; akin to Old High German lOs loose -- more at -LESS

1a: not rigidly fastened or securely attached b (1) : having worked partly free from attachments <a loose tooth> (2) : having relative freedom of movement c : produced freely and accompanied by raising of mucus <a loose cough> d : not tight-fitting

2a: free from a state of confinement, restraint, or obligation <a lion loose in the streets> <spend loose funds wisely> b : not brought together in a bundle, container, or binding c archaic : DISCONNECTED, DETACHED

3: not dense, close, or compact in structure or arrangement

4a: lacking in restraint or power of restraint <a loose tongue><loose bowels> b : lacking moral restraint : UNCHASTE

5a: not tightly drawn or stretched : SLACK b : being flexible or relaxed <stay loose>

6a: lacking in precision, exactness, or care <loose brushwork> <loose usage> b : permitting freedom of interpretation

7: not in the possession of either of two competing teams <a loose ball> <a loose puck>


Once Again - PLEASE. For the sake of humanity. Learn the difference between these two words, before it's too late!