Is "will half" correct english? Isn't it "will halve"?
- Hey Anon,
- Halve is a verb. Half is a noun, an adverb or even an adjective. The act of dividing something into two equal parts is a verb, so halve is correct when it is an action. Otherwise, half is typically correct in other uses. They both have related meanings, but different usage. English is very peculiar, and usage mistakes are common, and sometimes mixed up.
- An example from the Fireball Spell description:
- Creatures failing their Saving Throws each suffer full damage from the blast. Those who roll successful Saving Throws manage to dodge, fall flat, or roll aside, each receiving half.
- From the Horrid Wilting Spell:
- Affected creatures are allowed a Saving Throw vs. Spell for half damage.
- If you are having trouble choosing between half and halve, ask yourself the following:
- Do you mean one of the two equal or almost equal parts, which when combined make a whole? If yes, use half.
- Do you mean one of the two equal periods into which an event is divided? If yes, use half.
- Do you mean something equal or nearly equal to a half? If yes, use half.
- Do you mean partial, incomplete, or insufficient? If yes, use half.
- Do you mean dividing into two equal parts? If yes, use halve.
- Do you mean reducing to fifty percent? If yes, use halve.
- Do you mean the plural of half? If yes, use halves.