Hi all, I remember reading a discussion here about what counted as a "lap" (one length versus a round trip), and there didn't seem to be a consensus. I'm interested to know the statistics. So please take the poll :)
Former Member
OP asked the definition of lap as a noun, not as a verb.
By dictionary, a lap is "one complete length of a straight course, as of a swimming pool."
O K so do you say DONE or FINISHED ??
Food is done & people are finished is the correct way to say it.
I was told this by an english teacher with a masters & doc .
OP asked the definition of lap as a noun, not as a verb. ... By dictionary, a lap is "one complete length of a straight course, as of a swimming pool."
Yes, yes, we get all THAT... but isn't it interesting that to "lap" someone, you would have to be at least two "laps" ahead?
Also interesting that this would not hold for track or NASCAR where the "circuit" is round, rather than straight, in which case you "lap" someone" when only one "lap" ahead.
English is a perverse language, after all!
American is a mix of all the god & poor language skills of many countries.
All languages are dynamic. Just read some Shakespeare and you'll see how much English has changed in just the last 400 years.
All languages are dynamic. Just read some Shakespeare and you'll see how much English has changed in just the last 400 years.
So true. One day, even "I have swam" will be considered correct.
I want to live in a world where we have one word for going one length of the pool, and another word for going two lengths of the pool. My vote that since we have it handy, let's use the word "lap" to mean "down and back, two lengths, finish where you began."
Or, you know, just call it a 50.
