Why does two have a w

Added just ahead of J and V , W was the 24th to join this tuneful set. Now, the English alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet, which did not have this trio of J , V , and W.

In Latin, U represented a W sound, which could only occur before a vowel. You see that literal double U , that UU , and how it is associated with our W sound? While the W disappeared from much of Latin pronunciation as it evolved into the Romance languages , one influential variety of French, Norman French , did have a W sound, especially as a result of the Germanic words that flooded the language from Viking incursions into northern France.

And Germanic languages love a W. So, Norman French used a double U to represent W sounds in words. Meanwhile in Anglo-Saxon England … Old English used the Latin alphabet, but with some twists, including a letter wynn. The printing press came to English in , and it used a single double-U block, helping cement W as its own letter by the early s.

As the printing press evolved, so did the shape of the letters. Interested in more alphabet history? Feedback We've Added New Words! Word of the Day. Meanings Meanings. What sound does W represent? What does the letter U have to do with it?

If this is not your first withdrawal, or if you begin to see a pattern of withdrawal over the next few terms, you may want to consult an academic advisor around the way in which you are planning your degree. We often hear of concerns about W's by students considering future applications to graduate studies, medical school or other professional programs. Admissions committees for these programs examine your academic record holistically, within the context of your full application. Their goal is to determine that you are able to handle the rigours of their curriculum.

More specifically, they look for trends — improving grades are a good trend, for instance. A single W is not considered a trend and does not by itself indicate a regular pattern of behavior or the inability to perform at a high level. Have questions? Connect with Science Advising Monday - Friday am - 4 pm. Skip to main content Skip to main navigation. UBC Science. Stay up-to-date with UBC Science's plans.