2006-06-11 11:17:09 · 9 answers · asked by t.j.barrie.t21@btinternet.com 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Although not in the dictionary as a verb, it is certainly common practice to do so. This is because of the flexibilty of the English language; and I'm sure that in a few years' time, it will become a a verb in the OED.
Written English tends to remain more formal than spoken; but it is the development of spoken English that expands our dictionaries every year.
Some linguists will argue that, so long as the intended meaning is clear and identical to both parties, then it is perfectly acceptable.
2006-06-11 21:07:58 · answer #1 · answered by moppettshow 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is a characteristic of english that casting verbs to nouns or nouns to verbs is both easy and commonplace in the language.
(stephen pinker's books go into the how and why of this in adequate detail - though they are not available online).
but since 'to text' is a new verb the correct preterite would be:
i texted you yesterday.
the past tense could be 'i text you yesterday' only if 'to text' were a strong verb. strong verbs are usually historically determined (ring / rang, buy /bought, thrive / throve) and since 'text' is a new verb it cannot yet be considered strong.
2006-06-12 04:57:21 · answer #2 · answered by synopsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to the dictionary, text is a noun. However, I hear people talking all the time about "texting" a friend. It's a phrase making its way into mainstream language thanks to cell phones and text messaging. I have my kids text me when they get home from school, etc. In that case, it very definitely is a verb.
2006-06-12 00:04:47 · answer #3 · answered by Cathe B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, no its not. In practise it is in everyday informal english, and since language evolves over time so I wouldn't be surprised to see it become a verb in the future. I wouldn't use it in formal writing though.
2006-06-12 04:47:18 · answer #4 · answered by sally r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will text you today
I will be texting you tomorrow
I texted you yesterday
I can see why it could not be a verb
2006-06-12 00:48:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Text is a noun, nothing else.
2006-06-11 18:22:18 · answer #6 · answered by Who?Me? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can't, text is not a verb.
To type, to write, to scribble etc. are usable though.
2006-06-11 18:22:37 · answer #7 · answered by aliasasim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
noun only ie
I sent you a text.
2006-06-11 18:23:18 · answer #8 · answered by Moggy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=102366&dict=CALD
2006-06-11 18:46:37 · answer #9 · answered by Maggie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋