Single-context Words: A Study of a Quirk of the English Language

Book excerpt: Did you know that aspersions are always cast, umbrage is always taken and the only thing that’s madding is a crowd? All this and more can be explored in Single-context Words: A Study of a Quirk of the English Language, which uncovers the stories behind numerous words which are only ever used in one context. Ian Yearsley has spent 15 years collecting and researching single-context words and has written up over 300 examples in this volume. He explains how they came about and gives examples of their usage, with special reference throughout to the different parts of speech and how some suit single-context words better than others. The book explores a hitherto unexplored aspect of language and would be ideal as a gently humorous reference book, an educational work or an amusing, quirky gift book. This unique and compelling collection complements the existing body of language publications and is for anyone and everyone who has a love of and a fascination for language.