1 to 9 - Wordsmith.org

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In Australian English, and I think also in British English, we would say one of the following.

I read volumes 1 through to 9.
I read volumes 1 to 9.

From what I hear on US TV shows, I think that it would be common in the US to say something like:

I read volumes 1 through 9.

Is this the most common form in the US? Is it a relatively recent way of saying things?--OP, wordorigins

Interesting q bears discussion. In my opinion "to" excludes 9 and usage to the contrary is abominable

I not sure I understand what you've said. If you've actually read the first 8 of 9 volumes, you'd really say you've read volumes 1 to 9? (as opposed to saying 1 through 8)

I read 'em all except the last one...

I think there is even thought to be an amibiguity about "through," since I think I have seen it put "one through nine inclusive."

Quote:

I think there is even thought to be an amibiguity about "through," since I think I have seen it put "one through nine inclusive."

On this non-penal side of the Tasman, the "inclusive" is often heard postpended irregardless of whether "to" or "through" is used.

I read loads...

Dale, I'm confused, too. Could you rephrase your question? And what's the bit about "OP wordorigins?"

Quote:

And what's the bit about "OP wordorigins?"

He asked this same question on the wordorigins board. One of the posters there is OP Tipping. Or either that or it's the standard message board shorthand for Original Post, one.

It was OP's question and I was merely commenting that it deserved discussion

No, not I. I've often heard "to" used to mean "through" and I was bemoaning the practice

I've read all nine volumes.
If I have read nine of, say, twenty, I'd say "volumes one through nine".

Quote:

� OP's question �

When I posted my original comment wordorigins was giving me an "I'm sorry, Dave, but I'm afraid I can't let you do that" page. It was a little confusing here, only a couple of us go to that board and one of us is rarely seen here these days.

If the need arose I would say "I've read volumes 1 to 9".

Volumes 1 through 9 sounds American to me.

It is

dalehilman: No, not I. I've often heard "to" used to mean "through" and I was bemoaning the practice

me: If the need arose I would say "I've read volumes 1 to 9".

Volumes 1 through 9 sounds American to me.

dalehilman: It is

Why stigmatise or 'bemoan' non American usage?