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Definitions
Posted:
Aug 10, 2014 12:29 pmby ohiocaver
We all know how to remember the definition of stalagmites (might grow up) and stalactites (tight to the ceiling). There is another method from Wordsmith that kids would love called the "ants in the pants" method to remember which is a stalagmite and which is a stalactite: When the mites go up the tights come down. Or maybe it's too adult?
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 10, 2014 3:51 pmby Martin Sluka
stalagmite: M
stalagtite: TT
:)
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 11, 2014 8:42 amby jderoo
For many years I've use the trick in Martin's post, and the several people I've mentioned it to seemed to think it was fairly intuitive.
Mites and tights sounds cute, but it is not non-sensical if you reverse the directions, so it could still be ambiguous.
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 11, 2014 9:28 amby GroundquestMSA
Martin Sluka wrote:stalagtite: TT
Ah, but Martin isn't using the "C for ceiling" trick to remember to spelling of stalactite...
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 11, 2014 10:19 amby Martin Sluka
GroundquestMSA wrote:Ah, but Martin isn't using the "C for ceiling" trick to remember to spelling of stalactite…
Hmm, but it is 1. "stalaktit" and 2. "strop" in Czech :)
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 11, 2014 10:20 amby Martin Sluka
GroundquestMSA wrote:Ah, but Martin isn't using the "C for ceiling" trick to remember to spelling of stalactite…
Hmm, but it is 1. "stalaktit" and 2. "strop" in Czech
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 11, 2014 10:28 amby GroundquestMSA
Martin Sluka wrote:GroundquestMSA wrote:Ah, but Martin isn't using the "C for ceiling" trick to remember to spelling of stalactite…
Hmm, but it is 1. "stalaktit" and 2. "strop" in Czech
I'm just playing. I still can't figure out English, and there's no way I could begin to take on another language. After years of constant reading and writing, I still have to double check almost every time I write an ie/ei word.
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 11, 2014 10:35 amby MUD
i before e except after c!
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 11, 2014 12:23 pmby GroundquestMSA
Cavemud wrote::laughing: i before e except after c!
Is the worst hint of all time! Why do we dare say this stuff to kids? That one has got me a bunch of times.
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 12, 2014 9:05 amby JSDunham
My favorite:
Stalagmites MIGHT hang from the ceiling--but they don't.
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 12, 2014 2:06 pmby caverdan
You guys are missing a stal.
Stalaglights can hang from the ceiling, wall, or ground.
(Commonly found in tour caves.) 
Re: Definitions
Posted:
Aug 14, 2014 12:18 pmby Oddball
The only phrase I had ever heard to remember the difference was " When the mites come up, the tights go down".... may be a regional thing (TAG). But I still run that saying through my mind plenty of times when thinking about what word to use. So it has been helpful.
Makes me wonder if I can maybe figure something else out different....
Something for me to ponder on....
Would love to hear any other creative ways....