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useful

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A

AirbusA321

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Joined
Feb 12, 2017
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
German
Home Country
Belgium
Current Location
Philippines
Why is "useful" spelled with just an "u" but "you" with "yo" before the "u" although they sound pretty much the same?
 
R

Rover_KE

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Jun 20, 2010
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Retired English Teacher
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British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
England
And why is there a u in four and fourteen but not in forty?
 
G

GoesStation

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Joined
Dec 22, 2015
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Interested in Language
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American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
The name of the letter begins with a consonant sound so we write a "u".

A comprehensive dictionary will help you understand why English words are spelled as they are.
 
emsr2d2

emsr2d2

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Joined
Jul 28, 2009
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English Teacher
Native Language
British English
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UK
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UK
When it comes to English spelling, it's best never to ask "Why?" :lol:
 
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