NationStates Jolt Archive

Is it MathS or is it Math?

or is it the most pointless thread ever?

Maths.

Maths! Very much so, as it is an abbreviation of the plural mathematics. Sorry if this comes across as somewhat forceful but it really pisses me off when people say 'math'. (Sorry to any Americans out there who may be offended by this - I don't intend it particularly, it's just one of my things.)

crazy americans seem to say the singular
i was thinking of making a thread on this myself the other day

Maths or the full version Mathematics

Canadian, but I say math. It's not something I've ever thought about, ever. Since way back when I had my first math class. Man, maths class is weird to say. 'Ths' is an awkward sound to pronounce.

I spell it "maths," but I'm dreadfully sloppy when it comes to pronouncing it that way, I must say, but I'm a foreigner, so it doesn't matter, really.

Canadian, but I say math. It's not something I've ever thought about, ever. Since way back when I had my first math class. Man, maths class is weird to say. 'Ths' is an awkward sound to pronounce.

You don't say "maths class" silly! You just say "maths" as in "I have maths".

Also, I note in the poll the capitalisation of the Maths option and the lack of such a treatment on the other options. To me this clearly symbolises bias, and therefore I demand it be changed. :p

I kids, I kids...

This is kindof pointless though...

I say both, but it depends on the context. If I am referring to a specific class, then I would say "Math class", but when I refer to Mathematics in general, I would say "Maths" or "Mathematics". So, "Math" is an adjective, "Maths" is a general noun, at least the way I use them. If I refer to a speficific type of math, then I use the term (ie, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, etc)

Though since I am an American, I do use "Math" in both cases sometimes. Why? Because "Math" is plural in the American-English language. Simple as that. And "Maths" is plural in the British-English language. Can't we just agree that we're all RIGHT, rather than have a stupid argument over which is right or wrong?

Can't we just agree that we're all RIGHT, rather than have a stupid argument over which is right or wrong?

Never!!

You don't say "maths class" silly! You just say "maths" as in "I have maths".


That just sounds even stranger (to me)! And I stand by that maths is not a well-flowing word. 'sides, not all abbreviations keep their plurals. Actually, in some cases people add redundant plurilizations to abbreviations. Or something. Possibly pie.

Maybe we should just stop abbreviating words because we can't spell properly.

it is a pointless thread but its interesting to find out what % of people say what...... As regard with the capitol M for Maths then i apologise....i am biased as ia say Maths

Why should I care if some nerd goes out and kills himself if I say math? I've never thought of it as singular. Maths is a pain in the ass to say.

I say both, but it depends on the context. If I am referring to a specific class, then I would say "Math class", but when I refer to Mathematics in general, I would say "Maths" or "Mathematics". So, "Math" is an adjective, "Maths" is a general noun, at least the way I use them. If I refer to a speficific type of math, then I use the term (ie, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, etc)

Though since I am an American, I do use "Math" in both cases sometimes. Why? Because "Math" is plural in the American-English language. Simple as that. And "Maths" is plural in the British-English language. Can't we just agree that we're all RIGHT, rather than have a stupid argument over which is right or wrong?


never britains way is the best, just like 1,000,000,000,000 being a true billion not 1,000,000,000

Maths is a pain in the ass to say.

hardly,

never britains way is the best, just like 1,000,000,000,000 being a true billion not 1,000,000,000

I don't really agree with that being better.

Why should I care if some nerd goes out and kills himself if I say math? I've never thought of it as singular. Maths is a pain in the ass to say.

Maths influences everything you do. The computer you are using now is just one big number crunching machine using mathematical algorithms.

You need at least basic Maths so people don't steal all your money because you can't count.

never britains way is the best, just like 1,000,000,000,000 being a true billion not 1,000,000,000

...then what's 1 000 000 000?

*sigh* How I woe for the day when we will no longer call our language "English", and we will no longer be under the chains of British people claiming we are wrong in speaking. Someday, there will be...American. A romantic-germanic combination language that calls itself "Estadounidense"

But that's just me and those who think a lot of Latin-Americans coming to the US would be a GOOD thing...

hardly,

It does sound somewhat awkward though. In the way that sphinxes can sound rather awkward.

...then what's 1 000 000 000?

A thousand million, duh. The americanised form of english, ie incorrect, it calls 1,000,000,000 a billion when it isnt. just like color is actually spelt colour

...then what's 1 000 000 000?

British
Million = 1,000,000 (10^6)
Billion = 1,000,000,000,000 (10^12)
Trillion = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^18)
Quadrilion = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^24)

USA
Million = 1,000,000 (10^6)
Billion = 1,000,000,000 (10^9)
Trillion = 1,000,000,000,000 (10^12)
Quadrilion = 1,000,000,000,000,000 (10^15)

Let's see what Dictionary.com has to say:
3 entries found for maths.
math n.
Mathematics.

math n
a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement.

maths n.
Chiefly British (used with a sing. verb)
Mathematics.


Well, there we go. You can have either. Personally I use math, cause it's an abbreviation of mathematics, and there ain't no 's' next to the 'th' in mathematics. By adding a 's' to the end of math (ie. saying 'maths'), in my mind it's akin to adding another 's', in effect now saying mathematicss.

'Is it' cannot be answered. It comes down to a matter of personal feeling and preference. I normally say mathematics. But if I'm i a hurry, I'll say math. Two reasons: 1) it's easiers to say for me, 2) My intuition tells me that if 'maths' were to be lengthened it would be 'mathSematics'.

British
Million = 1,000,000 (10^6)
Billion = 1,000,000,000,000 (10^12)
Trillion = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^18)
Quadrilion = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^24)

USA
Million = 1,000,000 (10^6)
Billion = 1,000,000,000 (10^9)
Trillion = 1,000,000,000,000 (10^12)
Quadrilion = 1,000,000,000,000,000 (10^15)

Iiiiinteresting... And will people stop just saying the USA is like that? North America, people! North American! *sobs dramatically*

Not sure which method I like better, though the North American way does seem to make large numbers simpler, because otherwise you leave out a lot of numbers in between that you'd have to add on longer titles to... Hmm, I dunno.

Iiiiinteresting... And will people stop just saying the USA is like that? North America, people! North American! *sobs dramatically*

Not sure which method I like better, though the North American way does seem to make large numbers simpler, because otherwise you leave out a lot of numbers in between that you'd have to add on longer titles to... Hmm, I dunno.

I'd rather be a British billionaire than a North American one!
1000 times more money! :)

I'd rather be a British billionaire than a North American one!
1000 times more money! :)
heh heh

It does sound somewhat awkward though. In the way that sphinxes can sound rather awkward.

I always say 'maths'. I also don't find much of a problem with 'sphinxes'. My biggest hate in words is 'texts'. The sound 'ksts' is a much bigger problem than 'ths'.

I always say 'maths'. I also don't find much of a problem with 'sphinxes'. My biggest hate in words is 'texts'. The sound 'ksts' is a much bigger problem than 'ths'.

I don't have a problem with sphinxes, but the last 's' does sound a little screwy. Texts IS a very screwy word. Definitely worse than maths.

It's Math. Pure and simple. If you say 'Maths' your stupid. There is no such thing as 'Mathsematics.' If you say Mathmatics your also stupid because it's spelt Mathematics. If you say both you even more intellectually impaired because: 1) Your indesicive and 2) You say an incorrect word.

It's Math. Pure and simple. If you say 'Maths' your stupid. There is no such thing as 'Mathsematics.' If you say Mathmatics your also stupid because it's spelt Mathematics. If you say both you even more intellectually impaired because: 1) Your indesicive and 2) You say an incorrect word.

no, maths is the correct abbreviation of the word mathematics, check your facts next time and be less offensive

It's maths if you're British.
And math if you're American. Which is, of course, wrong.
Hahahahahahahaha.

and anyway since when has english obeyed rules like no mathsematics, i live in the country of its birth and there are many absurdities that make it great

If you call the truth 'offensive' then maybe your a little too fragile for the real world.

If you call the truth 'offensive' then maybe your a little too fragile for the real world.

i think not, try learning proper english in future

i think not, try learning proper english in future

Or, you could learn proper grammer. Wow!

I think we're running into the Commonwealth (British) English vs the North American (USA/Canada) English conflict.

I tend to use the Commonwealth (British) English eg labour not labor.

If you call the truth 'offensive' then maybe your a little too fragile for the real world.

Try you're or you are in future, it is generally accepted as the correct usage.

It's Math. Pure and simple. If you say 'Maths' your stupid. There is no such thing as 'Mathsematics.' If you say Mathmatics your also stupid because it's spelt Mathematics. If you say both you even more intellectually impaired because: 1) Your indesicive and 2) You say an incorrect word.
Mathematics
--> math[ematic]s

thats the reasoning at least
you just called 60 million people + stupid...hooray for gross generalisations!! :rolleyes:

Mathematics
--> math[ematic]s

thats the reasoning at least
you just called 60 million people + stupid...hooray for gross generalisations!! :rolleyes:

wahey!!:)

Or, you could learn proper grammer. Wow!

Oh yes, that's grammar not grammer.

i meant to say maths
but i accidentally voted math

wahey!!:)
*does the maths dance*

Try you're or you are in future, it is generally accepted as the correct usage.

I tend to make that mistake often, though it doesn't bother me.

Oh yes, that's grammar not grammer.

It can be spelt either way.

Or, you could learn proper grammer. Wow!
Maybe you should learn proper grammAr. The abbreviation of 'you are' is spelt you're, not your. And it's blatantly MATHS!

Mathematics
--> math[ematic]s

thats the reasoning at least
you just called 60 million people + stupid...hooray for gross generalisations!! :rolleyes:

60 million people I'll probably never meet. Oh, and if you are talking about 60 million English/British people (Is your population even that big?) I really couldn't care. The UK is one of the worst countries around, with their awful accents and such.

Maybe you should learn proper grammAr. The abbreviation of 'you are' is spelt you're, not your. And it's blatantly MATHS!
Yep, i completely agree.

Maybe you should learn proper grammAr. The abbreviation of 'you are' is spelt you're, not your. And it's blatantly MATHS!

Maybe you can think of something original and not just repeat other people's statements?

60 million people I'll probably never meet. Oh, and if you are talking about 60 million English/British people (Is your population even that big?) I really couldn't care. The UK is one of the worst countries around, with their awful accents and such.
Britain is great, enough said.

Aaack! The brits!! So many flaws!

Maths?
fags?!?!? (smokes)
lollipop men??!! (crossing guards)
and your whole "OU" and "y" and "re"
i.e. Coulour, tyre, calibre.

Come on guys, ditch your metric system, wierd spellings, I mean come on, lollipop men? And your cars... Put the steering wheel on the left!

Aaack! The brits!! So many flaws!

Maths?
fags?!?!? (smokes)
lollipop men??!! (crossing guards)
and your whole "OU" and "y" and "re"
i.e. Coulour, tyre, calibre.

Come on guys, ditch your metric system, wierd spellings, I mean come on, lollipop men? And your cars... Put the steering wheel on the left!
Never!

It is silly that people should ground their reason for using 'maths' in the fact that 'mathematics' is plural. Mind, it is not (any more).

From the OED:
mathematics, n.
In early use always construed as a plural, and usually preceded by the. In modern use regarded as a mass noun, except when used of calculations. Quot. ?1545 may in fact be an example of MATHEMATIC n. 2.

Curiously,
mathematic, n. and a.
1. a. = MATHEMATICS n. 1. Now chiefly Philos.
This sense had become rare by the early 17th cent., but was revived in the later 19th cent. (perh. after German Mathematik) for use instead of mathematics in contexts in which the unity of the science is emphasized.


Oh, and I say maths or mathematics. It's not hard to say at all if you enunciate properly (which very few people seem to be doing, making everything they say hard to understand).

Aaack! The brits!! So many flaws!

Maths?
fags?!?!? (smokes)
lollipop men??!! (crossing guards)
and your whole "OU" and "y" and "re"
i.e. Coulour, tyre, calibre.

Come on guys, ditch your metric system, wierd spellings, I mean come on, lollipop men? And your cars... Put the steering wheel on the left!

Wierd spelling? What's that?

Maybe you can think of something original and not just repeat other people's statements?
Sorry, I have a very slow computer, lol.

OMG iT 1s t3h l0ll1p0p m4n!!1 lolz0r!

Where did this come from? Personally, I feel like I just wasted the last 5 minutes of my life reading these posts. At first, I was surprised (I have never heard the word "Maths" pass someone's lips n the course of my lifetime) but nowit just seems like the debate between "people" and "peoples." Really, what does it matter as long as we understand each other?
BTW- I live in the U.S. and get A's in MATH. ;)

60 million people I'll probably never meet. Oh, and if you are talking about 60 million English/British people (Is your population even that big?) I really couldn't care. The UK is one of the worst countries around, with their awful accents and such.
meh, see what i care.

Where did this come from? Personally, I feel like I just wasted the last 5 minutes of my life reading these posts. At first, I was surprised (I have never heard the word "Maths" pass someone's lips n the course of my lifetime) but nowit just seems like the debate between "people" and "peoples." Really, what does it matter as long as we understand each other?
BTW- I live in the U.S. and get A's in MATH. ;)

That's because it's Math in Canada and USA, for Commonwealth nations it's Maths.

LoL there appears to be no arguments to defend how 'great' Britain is.

Math, color, jewelry etc - I think Americans need to save time by missing letters out of words because they start school years after us.

It can be spelt either way.

The hell it can

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grammer

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grammar

Now shush and go back to your bigotry, ok?

LoL there appears to be no arguments to defend how 'great' Britain is.
That's because we know already, we don't have to pursuade anyone else.

LoL there appears to be no arguments to defend how 'great' Britain is.
When your country had the largest empire in history let me know.

60 million people I'll probably never meet. Oh, and if you are talking about 60 million English/British people (Is your population even that big?) I really couldn't care. The UK is one of the worst countries around, with their awful accents and such.

When your country doesn't have you any more, let us know. Then we'll talk.

It's called saving time. Has the UK ever wondered why so many of it's puppet states all rebelled?

It's called saving time. Has the UK ever wondered why so many of it's puppet states all rebelled?
so many rebelled? what are you talking about, its pretty much only the 9 states that had any big rebellion

When your country had the largest empire in history let me know.

Emphasis on empire and on history.

Not so big now are they? Just America's bitch now, huh?

Emphasis on empire and on history.

Not so big now are they? Just America's bitch now, huh?
what brilliant history has whatever country you come from have?

so many rebelled what are yoou talking about, its pretyty much only the 9 states that had any big rebellion

I'm sorry. Please speak correctly so I may understand your ideas.

Emphasis on empire and on history.

Not so big now are they? Just America's bitch now, huh?

http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/2209/trollpickingnosemdclear0pl.gif

TROOOOOLL!!!

I'm sorry. Please speak correctly so I may understand your ideas.
check the edited version i did seconds afterwards

Emphasis on empire and on history.

Not so big now are they? Just America's bitch now, huh?
That's right. America's the one going round killing thousands of innocent people to feel powerful now.

what brilliant history has whatever country you come from have?

History is just that, History. Stop living in the past.

History is just that, History. Stop living in the past.

Stop living up your own ass

History is just that, History. Stop living in the past.
somewhat of an evasion, no?

That's right. America's the one going round killing thousands of innocent people to feel powerful now.
Hey, not all of those people are innocent. Also, you should know that not all Americans agree with Dubya's decisions.

Stop living up your own ass

But it's so comfortable! :rolleyes:

somewhat of an evasion, no?

No... I just think the idea of swords in war can't compare to present time military superiority.

When your country had the largest empire in history let me know.

By the way that is wrong. It was either Rome or Mongolia that had the largest.

Hm, I actually thought this thread quite useful, seeing how I've wondered about the correct version before. But of course, I'm neither British nor American, so I'll just take that as my excuse.

As for the large numbers discrepancies: I had no idea there was a difference b/w British and American usage.
British
Million = 1,000,000 (10^6)
Billion = 1,000,000,000,000 (10^12)
Trillion = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^18)
Quadrilion = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^24)

USA
Million = 1,000,000 (10^6)
Billion = 1,000,000,000 (10^9)
Trillion = 1,000,000,000,000 (10^12)
Quadrilion = 1,000,000,000,000,000 (10^15)
Good thing I haven't been signing any large contracts just recently :eek:. Anyway, to make the confusion complete, here's how it's done in Germany (not that anybody cares, I know):

Million = 1,000,000 (10^6)
Milliarde = 1,000,000,000 (10^9)
Billion = 1,000,000,000,000 (10^12)
Billiarde = 1,000,000,000,000,000 (10^15)
Trillion = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^18)
Trilliarde = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^21)

That's as high as it goes. Much easier, IMHO. Of course, we would use periods instead of commas, but I made that sacrifice to humor the Americans... (btw, another dorky question: do Brits use a comma or a period in "1,000"?)

By the way that is wrong. It was either Rome or Mongolia that had the largest.
The Mongol Empire (1206–1368) was the largest contiguous land empire in world history ruling 35 million km² (13.8 million miles²) and more than 100 million people (only the British Empire was larger in absolute area, but it was non-contiguous).

Hm, I actually thought this thread quite useful, seeing how I've wondered about the correct version before. But of course, I'm neither British nor American, so I'll just take that as my excuse.

As for the large numbers discrepancies: I had no idea there was a difference b/w British and American usage.

Good thing I haven't been signing any large contracts just recently :eek:. Anyway, to make the confusion complete, here's how it's done in Germany (not that anybody cares, I know):

Million = 1,000,000 (10^6)
Milliarde = 1,000,000,000 (10^9)
Billion = 1,000,000,000,000 (10^12)
Billiarde = 1,000,000,000,000,000 (10^15)
Trillion = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^18)
Trilliarde = 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10^21)

That's as high as it goes. Much easier, IMHO. Of course, we would use periods instead of commas, but I made that sacrifice to humor the Americans... (btw, another dorky question: do Brits use a comma or a period in "1,000"?)
i knew of the german system myself, it iis very similar to the british with the billions,etc. i myself quite like the billiarde, etc, concept

edit: brits use commas

Hm, I actually thought this thread quite useful, seeing how I've wondered about the correct version before. But of course, I'm neither British nor American, so I'll just take that as my excuse.
(btw, another dorky question: do Brits use a comma or a period in "1,000"?)
We used to use commas but we stopped because some countries who use commas as decimals got confused. Now we just leave a space eg. a million = 1 000 000

The Mongol Empire (1206–1368) was the largest contiguous land empire in world history ruling 35 million km² (13.8 million miles²) and more than 100 million people (only the British Empire was larger in absolute area, but it was non-contiguous).

Ok. Lets agree that we are both right (Or both wrong if you prefer). This has given me a nice post increase though.

We used to use commas but we stopped because some countries who use commas as decimals got confused. Now we just leave a space eg. a million = 1 000 000
yes that is true but most people i know still use commas as it is far easier than spaces when writing numbers down , you can always add in commas but not spaces

Ok. Lets agree that we are both right (Or both wrong if you prefer). This has given me a nice post increase though.
No, we're right and you're wrong.

Ok. Lets agree that we are both right (Or both wrong if you prefer). This has given me a nice post increase though.
right on what? biggest empire, which i've shown to be britain, or spelling of maths?

No, we're right and you're wrong.

You sure know how to feed that forum fire don't you?

right on what? biggest empire, which i've shown to be britain, or spelling of maths?
Everything that there's ever been an Anglo-American debate about.

right on what? biggest empire, which i've shown to be britain, or spelling of maths?

On everything? An easy resolution to a fire I really see no end to since I'm stubborn :P It also means neither of us have to concede to each other. Another possible option is to agree to disagree.

We used to use commas but we stopped because some countries who use commas as decimals got confused.
God, don't I just know that feeling.

The other day I was making an online donation of $25 to an American charity. I forgot about the comma thing and typed in $25,00.
Luckily, I did pay attention at the next step right before clicking "Okay" when the displayed amount was spelled out as $25,000 :eek:.

Everything that there's ever been an Anglo-American debate about.

Awww, I'm still not considering you a part of this argument.

right on what? biggest empire, which i've shown to be britain, or spelling of maths?
It is impossible to be right or wrong on these subjets, as one of you is judging empires on total land accumulated and the other on most land at one time. Maths is impossible because it boils down to a question of personal preference and upbringing. Only bad can come from saying somebody's personal preference is wrong.

God, don't I just know that feeling.

The other day I was making an online donation of $25 to an American charity. I forgot about the comma thing and typed in $25.00.
Luckily, I did pay attention at the next step right before clicking "Okay" when the displayed amount was spelled out as $25.000 :eek:.

LoL. That was very lucky.

It is impossible to be right or wrong on these subjets, as one of you is judging empires on total land accumulated and the other on most land at one time. Maths is impossible because it boils down to a question of personal preference and upbringing. Only bad can come from saying somebody's personal preference is wrong.

It's not a literal agreement as to who is right or wrong but rather a way to keep spamming insults and 'facts' at each other.

It is impossible to be right or wrong on these subjets, as one of you is judging empires on total land accumulated and the other on most land at one time. Maths is impossible because it boils down to a question of personal preference and upbringing. Only bad can come from saying somebody's personal preference is wrong.
Yes but, as the word Mathematics stems from the English language, surely English people should have the prerogative when it comes to an abbreviation.

It is impossible to be right or wrong on these subjets, as one of you is judging empires on total land accumulated and the other on most land at one time. Maths is impossible because it boils down to a question of personal preference and upbringing. Only bad can come from saying somebody's personal preference is wrong.
no i'm saying britains empire was the biggest ever, but was not continuous land, ie islands and colonies distributed. the mongol empire was the biggest in terms of land connected together. but overall britains was bigger

It's not a literal agreement as to who is right or wrong but rather a way to keep spamming insults and 'facts' at each other.
OH, I see now

Yes but, as the word Mathematics stems from the English language, surely English people should have the prerogative when it comes to an abbreviation.
i agree

God, don't I just know that feeling.

The other day I was making an online donation of $25 to an American charity. I forgot about the comma thing and typed in $25.00.
Luckily, I did pay attention at the next step right before clicking "Okay" when the displayed amount was spelled out as $25.000 :eek:.
wow! that could have been trouble

no i'm saying britains empire was the biggest ever, but was not continuous land, ie islands and colonies distributed. the mongol empire was the biggest in terms of land connected together. but overall britains was bigger
Is that including the sea in between or just total land mass?

Yes but, as the word Mathematics stems from the English language, surely English people should have the prerogative when it comes to an abbreviation.
During their own usage of the word, yes. They SHOULD be able to abbreviate however they want.

Is that including the sea in between or just total land mass?
total land mass

So.....?

no i'm saying britains empire was the biggest ever, but was not continuous land, ie islands and colonies distributed. the mongol empire was the biggest in terms of land connected together. but overall britains was bigger
And just how long did Britain maintain that empire?

total land mass
Then we definitly had the largest empire, who measures land/property contingently?

what i mean is, the british empire had the greatest land mass ever, but this land was seperated by the sea and other land. the largest empire that was formed of continuous land together, like a big blob, was the mongol one

Is it MathS or is it Math?
Its Math or Mathematics
you can have many math lessons
or you can teach a math class
maths is not a plural form of math.
hope this helps
Steven

Wow, this forum fire is coming along nicely.

what i mean is, the british empire had the greatest land mass ever, but this land was seperated by the sea and other land. the largest empire that was formed of continuous land together, like a big blob, was the mongol one

They actually owned half the world... I think.

And just how long did Britain maintain that empire?
the mongol empire as such was successful only under genghis khan, his succussors fragmented the empire. The british empire as a substantial entity about 250 years although there were british/english colonies before thias

They actually owned half the world... I think.
im afrraqid that is incorrect, it may have been half the known world for the mongols

the mongol empire as such was successful only under genghis khan, his succussors fragmented the empire. The british empire as a substantial entity about 250 years although there were british/english colonies before thias
But for how long was it the largest? For centuries, or just for a brief period?

in conclusion britain had the greatest and largest empire.

Its Math or Mathematics
you can have many math lessons
or you can teach a math class
maths is not a plural form of math.
hope this helps
Steven
The point we're trying to make is that the word mathematics is a plural because it refers to a collection of sciences. Therefors the abbreviation should also be a plural and that is shown in Britain by putting an s at the end.

But for how long was it the largest? For centuries, or just for a brief period?
im afraid i dont know, sorry to be useless on the matter but all i know for sure is britain's empire exceed that of the mongols but by how much or how long i dont know, i would hazard a guess at it being quite a long time

in conclusion britain had the greatest and largest empire.
Largest? That may indeed be true, but greatest is a matter of opinion. You can judge greatest based on cultural contributions, scientific breakthroughs, wealth, and a host of other factors. So don't proclaim something like that until you are prepared to back it up with evidence.

Largest? That may indeed be true, but greatest is a matter of opinion. You can judge greatest based on cultural contributions, scientific breakthroughs, wealth, and a host of other factors. So don't proclaim something like that until you are prepared to back it up.
ok time to back it up. The british empire offered many things to science, britain itself was the birthplace of agricultural + industrial revolution, and britain spread this knowledge through its empire. Britain also abolished the slave trade and using its might at sea enforced this on other nations. it also brought an end to consistent tribal wars in regions. It did not impose itself on other cultures unless it was deemed necessary, ie cannibalism, and it used christian morals as a framework for this.

need any more?

unfortunately when territories were given independance due to ridiculously strong nationalistic campaigns within the areas they were ill equippped for sovereignty, were they to have remained part of the empire maybe many problems could have been avoided.

Canadian, but I say math. It's not something I've ever thought about, ever. Since way back when I had my first math class. Man, maths class is weird to say. 'Ths' is an awkward sound to pronounce.

I actually find 'math class' harder to say than 'math'.

ok time to back it up. The british empire offered many things to science, britain itself was the birthplace of agricultural + industrial revolution, and britain spread this knowledge through its empire. Britain also abolished the slave trade and using its might at sea enforced this on other nations. it also brought an end to consistent tribal wars in regions. It did not impose itself on other cultures unless it was deemed necessary, ie cannibalism, and it used christian morals as a framework for this.
Give me a minute to think about this. I realy have to take what you say as fact (you being British) and I can't contest It because I really know nothing about the history of Britain. I was surprised when I realized that years of "The History Channel" and Social Studies left me almost completely unaware of British History. (Well, at least beyond the Revolutionary war)

you may find this helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_empire

although it may not be completely true, and although im british there has been consistent attempts by our government and politically correct groups to shy away from the empire as if it is to be ashamed of

EDIT: I MEAN THE WEBSITE MAY NOT BE COMPLETELY TRUE

What about Rome?

What about Rome?
rome was nowhere near the size of the british empire it predominated in the european area and parts of asia minor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:LocationRomanEmpire.png

What about Rome?
Only really around Europe

hmmmm the conversation has changed slightly from maths and math........
I started this thread.....

hmmmm the conversation has changed slightly from maths and math........
I started this thread.....
sorry lol:p :)

never mind u can carry on lol:p

hmmmm the conversation has changed slightly from maths and math........
I started this thread.....

Be proud? Lol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_empires

So, in conclusion, it's maths.

yes

In conclusion, we have not reached a conclusion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_empires

Hmmm... that list lacks the Dutch East Indies company.

In conclusion, we have not reached a conclusion.
This is my conclusion as well.

This is my conclusion as well.

Finally someone with a clue lol

I say Maths as I am British from England UK

I actually find 'math class' harder to say than 'math'.

Well of course 'math class' is harder to say than 'math'. It has more words.

Lol!

Well, I don't see any pure evil dripping from my pores, so I must say "maths".