Is the O silent in the word opossum?

Is the O silent in the word opossum?

The O in “opossum” is spelled but not pronounced. It is a silent letter, just like the H in the word “honest.” The articles “a” and “an” are correctly based on the first pronounced letter, not simply the first letter.

What’s the correct way to say opossum?

In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent.

Do you say an opossum or a opossum?

Most Americans pronounce their native marsupial as a two-syllable word (possum) but—at least until very recently—write it as a three-syllable word (opossum). The Ngram evidence suggests that popular awareness of this inconsistency may have led to a significant level of avoidance of the phrase “an opossum” in writing.

Why is possum spelled opossum?

When to Use Possum The possum (scientific name: Phalangeridae) was given its name because of its resemblance to the opossum of the Americas. Sir Joseph Banks, who accompanied the great English explorer Captain James Cook, likened the furry creature he saw in Australia to “an animal of the Opossum tribe.”

Should you pronounce the L in Almond?

Is it or is it not pronounced? A: The “l” in “almond” was silent until very recently. More recent standard dictionaries say we can now properly pronounce “almond” either with or without the “l” sound.

Does possum have an apostrophe?

Not many words last long with an apostrophe at the start – quick, can you think of three? – so the ‘possum quickly became the possum, which today’s dictionaries still list as a variant of opossum but which is quite acceptable.

What is the difference between possums and opossums?

Here’s a tip: Opossums and possums are different animals. Opossums live in North and South America, while possums live in Australia and other countries. Both animals are marsupials, but possums are more closely related to kangaroos. They are entirely different animals.

Do opossums and possums look the same?

Opossums have pointed white faces and coarse fur, whereas possums have rounded bodies with a thick golden or brown coat. The opossums of North America typically have pointed white faces with black eyes and jagged teeth.

What happens if a possum dies in your roof?

You’ll know if you have a dead possum in your roof. We charge a minimum $250 to remove a dead possum, more if it is hard to get to. Possums make nests in insulation by tearing it up and moving it around your roof. Possums, rats and birds can all carry lice, ticks and other nasties, making them a health hazard.

What does rat poop look like Australia?

Rat droppings are usually a shiny dark brown or black colour and they look like small pellets. Each dropping is typically between 12 and 18 millimetres long. Mice droppings however are smaller with pointed ends and are usually brown, black or white. Rats have long been a problem in Sydney.