I ABSOLUTELY must, after all, join the correspondence that has been running this month about the current misuse and desecration of the English language.

And I absolutely cannot understand why no one has yet mentioned the persistent and unremitting use of this word: absolutely. Listen to any radio programme, or random overheard conversation, and count the number of times the word is used. You will be absolutely amazed.

From politicians to pop singers, bishops to ballerinas, they all are guilty.

What word did we use before absolutely?

I absolutely cannot think.

Joan Matthewson,

Sunnyside Cottage, Glenmidge, Dumfries.