The ' takes the place of the "o" in not. So why is Will not won't? It should be willn't shouldn't it? lol
2006-12-11 16:57:56 · 13 answers · asked by when and how 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
would not is wouldn't. Will not is won't but should be willn't
2006-12-11 17:07:05 · update #1
How did will not become won’t? The answer: it did not. The conjugational form of what is now will was wol, so that won’t derives from woln’t, with l being lost before nt (shan’t underwent a similar development).
2006-12-11 17:34:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say willn't out loud. If you think it sounds like a good idea, bang your head into the desk until you change your mind or your head explodes.
2006-12-12 01:09:34 · answer #2 · answered by EmptyWhiskeyJar 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you look up the etymology, you'll find that the fellow above who gave you the German lesson is correct. If you want to understand where many English words come from, learn German and French. The similarities between the three languages are numerous--probably having something to do with Germany, Britain, and France being all squished together on the otherside of the Atlantic.
2006-12-12 01:30:33 · answer #3 · answered by ms dont panic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if we pronounce "willn't" as a single syllable, the "lln" is like at a long "o", and makes the "i" sound as "o", as well.
we can vote on saying "willn't" from now on, as well.
2006-12-12 01:06:44 · answer #4 · answered by patricia l 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that, since English and German have a common ancestor-language, that it's based on that (Old English, that is), "woll" ("I will"), which in turn comes from the Latin, "Vollen", "to will, to wish".
But, that's just my guess.
2006-12-12 01:09:17 · answer #5 · answered by silvercomet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What in the world does this have to do with philosophy?
2006-12-12 04:20:34 · answer #6 · answered by Lexus-Nut 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for the same reason a grape fruit is not a grape.
2006-12-12 01:02:04 · answer #7 · answered by cubanitoloko23 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it was changed just be be pronouncible
2006-12-12 04:36:05 · answer #8 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps because you probably wont hear anyone say: "wilnt".....
Nor will you hear anyone say: "ai not"..... which we would construe as "aint".......
Your sister,
Ginger
2006-12-12 01:33:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why is this a philosophical question?
2006-12-12 01:07:32 · answer #10 · answered by Tosh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋