Why does one Drive on a Parkway and Park on a Driveway?

Answer 1

that's very very deep.......................

Answer 2

I know this is a joke, but in case you want the historical explanation. . . well, a few have had it HALF right, but misunderstood the "park" of "parkway".

So here's how it goes:

1) The relationship of "drive" and "park" to "way" is different in each case; one is based on the verb "to drive", the other based on the NOUN "park".

2) History of "Driveway" --- This originally referred to a private road, usually between a public road and a private house. Historically, these were rather long (think of an impressive country estate -- poor folk or those living in the city would not have a driveway), and their main purpose was indeed for DRIVING driving to the house, certainly not for leaving the horses and carriage (and later car) sitting on.

But in more recent times, driveways got shorter and people began more frequently to leave their cars on them (esp. as they added MORE cars and the garages became full of other stuff!)

3) "Park" is used in two different senses in these words (which is always a good setup for a pun or joke)

"parkway" meaning "a broad LANDSCAPED thoroughfare" is based on the NOUN "park"

Thus "park" here refers not to what one does ON this sort of road but to the "park" areas built (or left) around it. This fits with the meaning of park as an area of land that is set aside (originally by royal grant or law), for gardens, animals, etc.
the VERB "park" is based on this noun, referring to leaving something sitting in one place

Answer 3

Well, driveways are called driveways, because you DRIVE on them to get to your house. In the past, you would drive about 1/4 of a mile to get to your house. Now-a-days, driveways are much shorter, so it doesn't work as well anymore. Also, you aren't supposed to park on your driveway. Your driveway is supposed to be used to get from the main street to your house.

Parkway is notably the same. You would park on a parkway, because it was one of the few streets in a town you could park on. Now, all streets you can park on, but they still use it in road names.

Answer 4

because technically you can drive on a driveway, especially if u have a long one, and u can also park on a parkway if u need somewhere to park on a road

Answer 5

ahhhh another Carlin fan! I do not know why that is. it is probably the same reason that lemon soap is made with REAL lemons and lemonade is made with lemon flavor. Another one to think about is why is their Braille on a drive up ATM?

Answer 6

Because as Americans we are always @$$ backwards. Been that way forever and is only getting worse with our current political leaders in office. They are more @$$ backwards then I could ever be.