Lead, or get the lead out

First, I apologize for the title of this blog. I just couldn't resist.

The thing is, lots of people get confused about the word lead in its different pronunciations and meanings.

First let's review.

Lead (pronounced leed) often is a verb, present tense, as in Lead us out of the maze.

Lead (pronounced leed) can be a noun, as in, Take the lead since you know the route.

Led (pronounced led) will be a verb, past tense, as in I led them out of the maze last night.

Lead (pronouced led) can be a noun referring to a heavy metal, as in That table is as heavy as lead.

Most errors I've seen result from people thinking the past tense led should be spelled lead.

Or they know the difference but just don't realize they've typed the wrong word.

In any case, a quick review of one's writing will help avoid this error.

Loosen up, but not too loose!

I always wonder what causes trends in language, trends that take a simple word and change it from correct usage to incorrect. This happens more often than you might think, and one such trend I've noticed with increasing frequency of late is the use of loose when the meaning people intend to convey is lose.

The pronunciation is different, of course, as well as the spelling, so what makes it difficult to differentiate between loose (loos) and lose (looz)? What's so hard about a sentence such as "If you play loose and easy with your money, you can lose your fortune overnight"?

The differences seem clear to me. However, if you're having difficulty remembering which spelling you should use, try thinking "loose as a goose" and notice the similar spellings. If you know that loose rhymes with goose, you're not likely to write that you're about to loose your mind.

At least I hope you won't.

My first post: A disclaimer

Having spent the majority of my adult years as an academic editor, I learned two important things about our language. First, it is constantly changing.  Second, no matter what you want to prove about usage and grammar, if you search diligently, you can find an expert who will agree with you. But be aware that despite the ambiguity among experts, I'll state my opinions about what I find to be preferable.

Thus, I'm sure that my musings will find favor with some but certainly not with everyone.  If you agree with me, feel free to say so.  If you disagree, please state your objections to my view politely.  And if you are just wondering about something to do with usage or grammar, chime in and ask.  If I don't know the answer, I'll try to locate one for you.