Robert Patterson wrote:
While the spacing may really have reeked, and havoc may actually have
been wrought, the saying in this case is usually, "wreck havoc", for
which I sfaik the correct past tense is "wrecked havoc".
Not according to the OED or Webster.
Wreak v.t. [ME wreken, from AS wrean, to wreak, revenge, punish]
1. To give vent or free play to (anger, malice, rage, etc.); as "On me
let Death wreak all his rage." (Milton)
Wreck v.t.; wrecked
1. To cause the wreck of; to destroy or damage badly
2. To tear down; to dismantle.
The difference is subtle, but still there. You Wreak Havoc, or Havoc is
Wrought, or the bagpipes play, or the oboes attempt a unison, etc.
cd
_______________________________________________
Finale mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
