the most difficult word

[birdeen's call]

Which English word is most difficult to master? I think "the" could be. Or maybe "but"?

 

[Barb_D]

I think it's a toss-up between "the" and "would."

 

[5jj]

Sorry.

Even many native speakers seem not to know when and how to use the word.

 

[5jj]

On a more serious note, I'll add my vote for 'the'.

It's not just difficult for learners.

I like to think I am moderately proficient in the language, and know something about its grammar, but in my final teaching year I did a lot of work with (very) advanced learners. Part of our time was spent on correcting manuals and reports they had written and on discussing their translation work.

Trying to work out whether 'the' could be left out or not - and why - had me nearly tearing my hair out sometimes.

 

[Osa-Naily]

I think it's a toss-up between "the" and "would.

 

[birdeen's call]

Thank you. I have already accepted the fact that I will never learn how to use "the" properly.

And "would" isn't an easy one either!

 

[5jj]

Back to your original question BC:

Which English word is most difficult to master? I think "the" could be. Or maybe "but"?

I understand your choice of 'the', but (;-)) I am surprised by 'but'. What problems do you have with this word?

 

[birdeen's call]

Back to your original question BC:

I understand your choice of 'the', but (;-)) I am surprised by 'but'. What problems do you have with this word?

It seems to have contradictory meanings.

When I see

The food is all but finished.

I think, "The food is far from being finished. It's everything except finished." But the sentence says, "It's very close to being finished." Webster 1913 says "all but" can mean:

scarcely,
not even,
almost.

Besides, the word "but" alone has very many meanings. Sentences like:

There never is a tax law presented but someone will oppose it.
Ten to one but the police have got them.
(from but - definition of but by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.)

aren't very learner-friendly in my opinion.

The fortunate circumstance is that most of the difficult meanings are rarely used.

PS: One more example:

Everybody came but Tom.
Everybody came but not Tom.

Negation doesn't change the meaning? Stupid.