Why is a broom not called a sweep or why do we not call it brooming the floor?
Answers:
Because they used to be made out of the Broom bush...therefore thats what they are called. (ever see a witches' broom?)
Other answers:
Don't know the answer but you got me thinking.
Don't know the answer but you got me thinking.
That reminds me, if more than one ox is called oxen, why isnt more than one box called boxen?
Great question, but basically it's all to do with English Grammar. A Broom, is a noun, the name of an item, and Sweep, is a verb, meaning an action.
Just to be difficult though, we have the word Brush, which is both, verb and noun.
You can buy a brush, and use it to brush off lint etc.
You can bush a coat or clothing and your hair, but strangely enough, you seldom brush the floor.
Ah, the wonders of the English Language.
Another good question is:
Why do we park in our driveways and drive on parkways?