Harasses or Harrases – Which is Correct?
Have you ever come across the dilemma of whether to write “harasses” or “harrases”? It’s not uncommon to stumble upon words that have similar spellings yet different meanings, and “harasses” and “harrases” are no exception. However, the correct spelling is “harasses,” with two “s”s. Let me learn the reasons why “harasses” is the correct form and provide you with examples to illustrate its usage.
To begin, let’s consider the definition of “harass.” It is a verb that means to subject someone to unwanted or unwelcome behavior, often causing them distress or annoyance. Think of it as relentlessly bothering or pestering someone. Now, let’s analyze the spelling of the word. “Harass” is derived from the French word “harasser,” which means “to tire out” or “to exhaust,” and it entered the English language in the 17th century. Since its introduction, “harass” has maintained its double “s” spelling, reflecting its original French source.
Now, let’s explore some examples of how “harasses” is correctly used in sentences:
1. The persistent telemarketer constantly harasses people with unsolicited phone calls.
In this example, “harasses” is used to describe the recurring behavior of the telemarketer as continuously bothering individuals.
2. The aggressive paparazzi hound celebrities, relentlessly harassing them for photographs.
Here, “harassing” reveals the repetitive and intrusive actions of the paparazzi towards celebrities, causing them significant distress.
3. Despite numerous complaints from employees, the supervisor continues to harass them, creating a hostile work environment.
In this sentence, “harass” highlights the ongoing mistreatment of employees by their supervisor, resulting in a toxic workplace atmosphere.
4. Online trolls thrive on social media platforms, viciously harassing individuals through relentless cyberbullying.
This example showcases how harassers exploit the anonymity of the internet to torment others persistently and acutely.
By using these examples, we can notice a pattern in the correct spelling of “harasses.” It consistently employs two “s”s to indicate the continuous and repetitive nature of the unwanted behavior. The second “s” reinforces the idea of persistently bothering or distressing someone, distinguishing it from the incorrect variation, “harrases,” which doesn’t exist.
To further emphasize the importance of using the correct spelling, let me ask you this: Would you order a scrumptious chocolate cake from a bakery known for its delectable desserts, or would you choose a cake from a shop that can’t even spell “chocolate” correctly? Just like a misspelled menu item can raise doubts about the quality of the cake, inaccurate spellings in our communication can cast doubts on our language proficiency and attention to detail.
So, in conclusion, when it comes to the correct spelling of “harasses,” remember to include the double “s” to accurately convey the continuous and unwanted behavior of bothering or distressing someone. By using correct grammar and precise spellings, we can effectively communicate our ideas and demonstrate our mastery of the English language.
Now that we have debunked the confusion between “harasses” and “harrases,” you can confidently use the correct spelling and expand your vocabulary with more precision.