It always amazes me. Sixty six comments here and I only had to scroll down about half way before finding someone taking a shot at Bush. Even though the guy had absolutely nothing to do with the collapse of a bridge in Minnesota.

Beyond that I noticed Mr. Lofgren is from "Pardeeville". I'm sure the locals often refer to it as "Partyville". Would Mr. Lofgren want the Times to use that local "lingo" in future articles about his town?

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

This is indeed a tragedy.

Additionally, this was a fair story. I note specifically that there has been no mention of (or allusion to) the legal fraternity in the United States. As regards the discussion on semantics, it takes one back to a Facebook Group which I will not mention.

D Kamau, Kiambu, Kenya

Ben - I can confidently speak for most in Americans in asking you to check in your ignorance prior to typing in the comment section.

F. SIebert, Seattle, USA

Dear Ben,
Wow, I had to reread the article three times to even find the offensive line, since I was just skimming it! Also being from Minnesota, I don't understand why you think they should use terms that would not be understood by people in their country. I would think you would be more concerned about the accident and the people who are still missing, including a friend of my son, who happens to be the missing the construction worker from the bridge.

Mary, Cambridge, MN,USA

Ben, it is a Britisth newspaper and in general written for a British audience. I dare say that when the Brits write a story about India of Japan they like the Ameican press don't search out local phraseology.

Jim, Oak Park, Illinois

Speaking as a person whom normally uses this bridge on the weekends for my travels and w/ friends and family in and around the metro area, just let me say the grammar lessons suck. We have people missing and though I live 3 hours away I feel for anyone up there not knowing. So please if you feel the need to criticize someones grammar or difference of language show some respect to my fellow Minnesotans who are grieving and find a more apprpriate forum. As for me I am heading up to the cities this weekend and pray that by then the healing has started. God bless those who made it and may he take good care of those who did not.

paul r., Minnesota city, minnesota

On behalf of all US residents I would like to apologise (or as Ben would say, "apologize") for Ben's comments. He gives the rest of us a bad name. Some people should not be allowed on the internet.

Brian, Buffalo, NY

Hey Ben - you're reading a British paper. Deal with it. I live in the U.S. and it didn't offend me one ounce. I hope our good friends in England don't look at your attitude as indicative of how we really think here in the U.S., because it gives us a bad name when people see pompous comments like yours.

Rob, West Chester, Ohio

This is incredible. My mother and I had to call around for most of the evening to find out if family members were ok. My uncle normally drives this route during the time of the collapse. for some reason today he changed his routine.

Sharon, young america, united states/mn

This Yank agrees with the Brits; This is a British site meant to be read mostly by British readers. I don't expect BBC to use my vernacular, either.

Jerome Nicholson, Richmond, Virginia

To all Brits, re Ben's comments, I sincerely apologize on behalf of all knowledgeable Americans (there are a few, trust me).

Rob Engle, McLean, VA, USA

With the greatest of respect, Mr. Lofgren, this IS a British paper. I don't think that anyone that regularly reads British articles should be completely nonplussed by the use of one or two 'Britishisms'. It doesn't take too much intelligence to deduce the meaning of 'lorry' from its context in this piece.

Wendy, Indianapolis, IN

As always in these matters the search for cause will doubtless become preoccupied with matters of culpability but it is curious that the American Society of Civil Engineers in their 2003 report should cite outdated designs as a contributing factor. Being outdated does not necessarily equate with structural deficiency as the surviving bridges built by the Romans will attest.

A Holmes, Auckland, NZ

I feel the US and UK have a glorious connection of heritage and culture, and minor issues of a few vernacular differences are beyond unimportant.

I live in Minneapolis, walking distance from what is now a terrible scene, a place I have driven, and, more than anything, taken for granted. As an American, it brings up deep concern regarding our infrastructure. As a citizen of the world, I understand and appreciate that tragedy knows no national affiliation.

I saw our mayor say on television tonight that infrastructure has no special interest group, no real support, and that it is and easy place to cut funding. The tragedy in Minnesota, an otherwise gloriously progressive state in the US, suggests that the US as a whole, as well as other nations, need remember the importance of the easily forgotten bones of our ever advancing society. As an aside, I for one appreciate international support; it strengthens my resolve as a member of an ever-growing world community.

Jason, Minneapolis, MN

what? it's a british newspaper, for pete's sake!

leah, mcminnville, oregon

As a matter of interest to our American cousins most of us
involved in " trucking " over here in the UK actually use the word truck as well as lorry, indeed lorry is rather old fashioned , whereas truck is a truly European word. Speaking as a British truck driver, I would be rather more concerned about the state of my country's many thousands of bridges, rather than being upset by a few harmless words. My sincerest thoughts go to the relatives of the dead and missing.

Mark Pritchard, Bristol, UK

I live north of the cities and work downtown, so I have to take this bridge all the time. There was never any fear about crossing this bridge, as I have done so all my life. It is very much the central vein that runs through our city--it is how I go home to my family, drive to my church, school, etc. During lunch today, I walked down to look at what remained of this bridge--it is very strange to look out over the waters of the Mississippi and see such a great void.

I realize now, in the midst of the chaos and surprise of these recent events, how many others feel in the world when tragedy strikes--the London/Glasgow bombings, September 11, the numerous sites around the Middle East that have been demolished by war.

It hits close to home.

Stephanie, Minneapolis, MN, USA

It saddens me that we are having this discussion which is not about the topic of the article. Ben I think you should crawl under a rock, stone, large pebble or boulder and don't come out until armageddon.

James , Cambridge, UK

I would also like to apolgize on behalf of most Americans. People like Ben are truly an embarrassment and it's a wonder he can read at all. Ben speaks for himself and hopefully people outside the US won't hold it against the rest of us for his ignorance.

Brian, Buffalo, NY, USA

As an American living in the U.K. I would like to apologize for the comments of Mr. Lofgren. Also would like to say that I have my fingers crossed for all of those that are missing, and I also pray that my father, who lives in that area is alright.
To me, this story and the thoughts should be about the families that are suffering and not about stupid word comments.
Blessed Be

Lissa Taylor, Orford, UK

"superficial repairs to its deck..." is a very misleading statement and doesn't account for the redistribution of loads.

Also, the debate over vernacular is petty and ethnocentric.

Michael, DC/Baltimore, US

Ben,

The Times on Line ( London Times) originates in England to you, United Kingom to those who are familiar with the UK. This is a UK paper and the use of words such as lorry or boot, is certainly proper and frankly I enjoy learning their expressions just as my British friends enjoy and often get a hoot our of ours. Why not enjoy the differences and learn something. It could be fun.
Aside from that the British people are reporting a serious and sad event that happened in MN ( there does that make you happier) and respond to these events with the same sympathy as we do to any similar event there..remember the bus bombings? We here were just as horrified and saddend at their losses. We have more in common than otherwise so stop behaving like an " Ugly American",
ps..I am American born..

Marie, Arroyo Grande, CA /USA

Considering the fact that 30 plus people are missing, I don't think this is a time for jokes or grammar lessons. People should keep these indivduals in their thought and prays. They should also ask their local government what they are doing to prevent this from happening in their own communities.

catherine, Chicago, Illinois

My apologies for my countyman. We aren't all ignorant of other cultures. In fact, the very reason I read the Times on-line every morning is to get a different view on world affairs. Mr. Lofgren, if you don't appreciate the "British words" perharps you shouldn't be reading a British newspaper.

Mark Weller, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Ahem - 'The Times' is a British newspaper. There is no reason to use American English in reports on events in the USA just because you happen to be able to access the site.

Richard, London, United Kingdom

Although I agree that this is an English paper and should be written in an English style, I am amazed that this story has become a debate about language! People died here, and a repeat incident is possible, does noone have any worries about that?

Patrick, Cookham, UK

Er, sorry but this is a UK newspaper primarally for UK readers. If you don't like the language, why not try Fox or another of your wonderful news sources. I would not expect a US newpaper to change words when reporting on a UK issue in the same way I would not expect The Times to use Chinese when writing about China.

Alec, London, UK

Hmmm. An article written in a British paper for British readers should use American lingo so you can easily read it. I would imagine ANYONE in the US who reads British papers would know a lorry is a truck. No wonder the Ugly American persists. I am sorry to be harsh, but I really can't imagine why you would criticize this after such a horrific night in my home town, the Twin Cities. I think there are more sadly tragic things to worry about.

Kathleen, Minneapolis, MN

To Ben Lofgren:

It is a British newspaper. They are reporting to Brits. So, of course they would use British lingo.

Ken, Boston, USA/ Massachusetts

Ben, the British don't use the word "hoser" either.

George, Washington, D.C.,

Ben, Don't speak for all of us Americans! It's people like you that make us all look bad by making insignificant comments. The main focus of this is article is the tragedy itself, not the language! Think about the families that have lost their loved ones or who's loved ones are still missing.

Karen Schedin, Tampa, Florida

What an embarrassment! Ben should apologize to our British friends ... his ignorance is no excuse. Since that is unlikely, I will do it for him -- Sorry! We're not all as dumb as our president.

Tom t, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Ben Lofgren, Pardeeville, WI

A tragic event is being reported and you're splitting hairs over diction. The Times of London is a British Paper with mainly British readers so the word Lorry is most appropriate.

My heart and prayers go out to all those involved and God speed to the rescuers and families.

Akinsope, London, UK

The word "lorry" is the best choice given that most readers are not in the USA.

Gareth O Donnell, London, UK

Good thing your paper didn't print the colloquialisms, "loo" or "bonnet," in case a car had fallen on a toilet and the hood popped open. Ben from Pardeeville would've had a stroke.

I rather enjoy the hell out of British terminology. If nothing else, you have to admit British and Americans find each others' local slang incredibly amusing.

I won't even begin to go into Australian. Now THERE's a language you can enjoy a beer with and laugh til' you cry. I love it.

James P, Sacramento, California

4 people dead, 60+ injured, 20-30 missing
and a fellow American from next door in Wisconsin wants to complain about a London paper using non-American English and terms.
This is an arrogant problem in America. We ask "What about ME?" way too much.
Pray for the families.

Bob Lunde, Minneapolis, MN USA

Alternatively, given that you are reading a British newspaper, you can learn the lingo and accept the word lorry.

A reader, New York, NY

I don't understand your point - this is a UK paper.

Are you saying that in any articles about the UK printed in US newspapers, they use the word 'lorry' in case anyone British reads them? Somehow I doubt it.

Mark Bell, Plymouth, Devon

Ben is truly an idiot. From someone who uses that bridge almost every day, to complain about words used in an article is insulting.

Marc Peacock, Minneapolis, U.S - Minnesota

As someone who lives in the U.S., I would like to apologize for how rude some Americans can be. I personally consider the British to be our good friends, and would like them to know that not all Americans share the same bad attitude as Ben. Such comments as his give us a bad name, and I am embarrassed by them. Please don't think his attitude is indicative of how we all think here in the states.

Rob, West Chester, Ohio

Esteemed Sir,

The Times is a British newspaper. I do apologise for the terminology, but I imagine a sorority girl with half a clue could work out the meaning of the sentence from the words around 'lorry'. Additionally, your vocabulary has today expanded by one word, congratulations.

Obviously due to our 'specal relationship' we care about 'you guys' enough to follow events in your country.

Wayne Simpson, Ruskington, England

Ben, we English congratulate you for actually knowing that countries other than the US exist. Apart from that, you are doing an excellent job in helping confirm the view of most Europeans about
American arrogance and ignorance.

Des, Hamburg, Germany

This article was not written for US readers. It was written for readers who are familiar with the vocabulary used. I understood what a "lorry" was because I made a point of reading US newspapers first. We can't expect everyone to cater to the vocabulary of Americans, because many times we don't understand it ourselves.

Jessica Huston, Kansas City, Kansas, USA

Firstly, Ben Lofgren, I think this story has a more human impact than a linguistic one and I extend my sympathies to those involved. That said, to suggest that an English newspaper writes in the American language is rather arrogant.

A French newspaper would report in French, so an English newspaper reports in English. This article seems to be well balanced. Speech has been reported as it was spoken 'Airplane' instead of aeroplane but otherwise the article is in English. When I pick up an American newspaper and walk down the 'sidewalk' prior to dumping it in the 'trash' I am not so self-obsessed as to suggest the editors adopt my language.

The idea that a newspaper story should be reported in the same language as the place of origin is preposterous and, frankly, in the face of such an unfortuante incident faintly embarrassing. I hope there are some people Stateside with a slightly less blinkered outlook.

Best wishes to all affected by this incident.

Ged, Oxford, UK

Goodness, Ben, if you understood what was meant by "lorry", then what's the problem? You should be touched that people in other nations care enough about what happens in America to write about it, not complaining that they haven't used American vernacular in the writing.

Kolby, Albany, New York

The failure of bridge may lead to the loss of "numerous" lives. Why didn't the government pay sufficient attention to it? I think it's also a good lesson for governments in other countries all over the world.

Juliet, Tianjin, China

Ben - it's people like you that give Americans a bad name. Your comment was ignorant and embarrassing. It's no wonder why people think Americans are arrogant when you say things like that.

Rebecca, St. Paul, MN,

Why are all these comments only about the language used? I expected the readers of the "the times" to be more high-minded. I thought I would find a brisk conversation about infra-structure, underwater recoveries, perils of diving into debris filled flowing water. At least the news article was excellent

Colleen , Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

People are dead and you worry about the use of the word "lorry"? Get a grip. (That's American for "realize what is important".)

John, Alexandrai, VA

Good grief, Mr Lofgren !! The Times is a British newspaper, for goodness sake. Do you really expect us Brits to report on events in France in French ? Or on Iraq in Arabic ? Better to expend your bile on remorse for the tragedy and those caught up in it than on whether it's a hood or a bonnet !

David Rayner, Tunbridge Wells, England

Ben Lofgren,
i'd have thought the whole co.uk thing would have led you to the conclusion that this is a British site reporting news to everyone but from a British viewpoint. Are you going to complain about the use of metres and references to british standard time too? I live in Chicago and although Americans dont use the term lorry, most people understand what it means. Kindly grow up or use CNN.com (note the .com)

Gareth, Chicago and London,

A tragic event like this happens and individuals are complaining about the language/spelling used. And they call Americans arrogant and selfish! Disgraceful behavior (in your case behaviour).

Rick, Minneapolis, USA/MN

Ben feeling a little foolish!

Fred, NJ, , USA

Don't worry everyone Pardeeville, WI does not represent US at all. What more can you expect from a town with less than 2000 people in it?

We here in Minneapolis just want to say Thank You for all your support here in the US.

I was on the I 94 bridge (right next to the I35w bridge) yesterday when the bridge collapsed. The dust cloud was still settling. Thank you again.

Barrett , Minneapolis, MN

Ben, Pull some kecks on, peg it down the street, and buy the local rag. You may find it a little easier to understand.

Colin Jackson, Halifax, Canada

Its unfortunate that this this forum has turned its attention to a small-minded cheesehead who seems more concerned about non-Americans showing their respect for our dialect than he does about these poor souls. This is a tragedy for very good people, and as a person who grew up in the sparse northern plains, Minneapolis was The cultural and iconic "big city" to us. For those of you unfamiliar with the Twin Cities, it is one of the kindest, most progressive places you will find in America. Tolerance, caring, and friendliness are all well-known traits of its people. There is a phrase that is trotted out by the media when referring to the people of the region that typifies the lack of cynicism: "Minnesota Nice", and its an accurate characterization. They are wonderful people, and despite the nearsightedness of Ben, the people are some of the brightest and most conscientious in the U.S. Accept my apologies for Ben, and the thanks for the kind thoughts for its wonderful people.

chris, Phoenix,, AZ, USA

The collapse of the bridge is truly horrifying not least because it raises questions about the safety of many thousands of bridges which are in worse shape than the Minneapolis bridge was believed to be in before it fell down. Also, the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty, vetoed 2 state transportation bills that would have provided additional funds for the state's transportation system. If we weren't wasting money in every other country in the planet maybe we could fix our own infrastructure.

Alex G., Detroit, USA

Thank you for your coverage of this tragedy. There are those of us in the United States, and Minnesota in particular, that appreciate your views.

I heard of this last night. My workplace is close to paralyzed by the news. Former co-workers are emailing asking if everyone is all right. Every computer has a news channel up behind other work.

In an area of almost 3 million people the number of people involved is relatively small. However, all of us that live in the Twin Cities are affected by this. We either drive the road, know someone that drives the road, etc., etc., etc. The road handles a lot of cars during the course of one day.

Thank you, again, for your coverage.

Anita Fuehrer, Robbinsdale, , Minnesota

Ben. If yours is the total American input on this tragic event then I feel soory for your fellow country men and women. Your interlect would be put to better use asking why the bridge collapsed in the first place? Massive and sudden structural failure of this kind should not happen... period. That it did shows a massive flaw in either the regular testing regime or its analysis. I would strongly suspect that the same testing and analysis process is carried out on most US road bridges. Now THAT is a worrying thought.

Lance, Surrey, UK

How sad. A devastating event with no resolved death toll and an experience that must have been terrifying for those caught up in it - and all we can do is pick holes in the language of the report.
I was pleased to read the background to the bridge, especially the reminder of the Silver Bridge collapse in '67. That's an event that crosses my mind whenever I cross the Mississippi on those awful-looking steel constructions further south.

Paul, Cusco, Peru

(If you are worrying about linguistics - check your priorities.)

People died. It would have been much worse had two thirds of the bridge not already been closed for road work. Our thoughts are with the families of the missing and injured.

Many states and cities have have deferred the maintenance on their highway bridges for many years due to lack of funding from the government. I only hope there are no similar disasters waiting to happen elsewhere.

Pat Seger, Shoreview, Minnesota

Ben, If you would like to read a newspaper that uses vocabulary that you are familiar with, read a US publication. We can't expect everyone all over to world to cater to the preferences that only we are familiar with. I knew right away what a "lorry" was because I made of point of reading local newspapers first.

That being said, perhaps it would be better to focus on the significant facts of the story, and not just one word.

Jessica Huston, Kansas City, Kansas, USA

Now that bridge was not made in China, was it?

Joseph Lee, Toronto, Canada

Being an English person reading an English newpaper I understood the article perfectly. Perhaps Mr Lofgren should stick to reading American newpapers if he has trouble understanding English.

Ella, Manchester, UK

If you are reading a British paper I think it's reasonable to expect them to use British words - the world does not revolve around the US.

Lizzy, Manchester, NH, US

We don't use US words here in Britain and last time I checked The Times was a British news source!

Would you want one of your newspapers or TV channels to suddenly switch (from standard American English) to talking about 'lorries' just because it was reporting on a story in the UK?!

Gabrielle, Oxford,

I was curious what some of the "foreign" press was reporting on this story. I have no issues with this story, it's well written and highlights the facts as they are known at this time. I was a little amazed that the focus of the comments centered on the vernacular used instead of the obvious tragedy of the story. Seems a little petty...

Rob, Burnsville, MN

In line 3 of paragraph 5, "Sixty people have been take to hospitals in the area..."

Shall "take" be "taken"?

amelia, Shenzhen, China

The terminology used here in the UK to describe the vehicles concerned is, I'm sure, not the most pressing concern for most readers choosing to have their say. I'm sure I'm not the only reader whose reaction to this awful story is simply a desire to express sympathy for the families of those who have died or been hurt.

Kate, London, UK

Well, the last time I checked Ben, The Times was a British newspaper, and this on-line version is hosted by a British domain (.co.uk) so keep your lingo in your country (really, please do!) and us Brits will do the same.

Dean Gibbins, High Wycombe,

Sorry Ben but this is The Times after all!

Chris, Lifton,

And we do not use American words in Britain. As you may be aware, the Times newspaper is a British newspaper with an overwhelmingly British audience. This is a report targeted at that audience, not US readers. On the rare occasions that US newspapers report on events outside the US, they use American terms - in this case they would use the word "truck" instead of "lorry". Applying your logic, one could say that doing so is a failure to report "properly". The rest of us would view it merely as common business sense, i.e. making the reports understandable to their main audience.

Powell, Washington, DC

Ben, stick to USA Today.

Bill Gates, Redmond, WA, USA

Oh Ben! Tell me you're joking. Please.

James, Monteria, Colombia

Yes but you are reading a British newspaper and we are in Britain..where the English language originated!

Kylie, Croydon,

Ben! It's a frakkin' British newspaper! Of course they're going to use words they're accustomed to using.

Quinn, Atlanta, Georgia

Patricia, Ben is from Wisconsin.

Paul Molina, Chisago City, MN

Re Ben's complaint: Here in Britain we do use Brittish words, and this being a Brittish website I wouldn't think it was too unacceptable to use them. You seemed to have grasped what the writer meant by the word lorry anyway, so I don't see any real problem!

O Dunning, Maidenhead, England

Ben,
As a resident of Minneapolis, I would like to say that I don't think most of us care what words are used to convey what happened. We are saddened that this is how our city made world news.

Lucy, Minneapolis, MN

Ben Lofgren,
So you do not use British words in the U.S. ? Then what do you use? German? French? Swahili ?

I may have misunderstood something, but I thought that Americans spoke English, albeit with a few spelling mistakes!

The Times is a British newpaper, read by people all over the world, it is written in English, not some redneck American dialect.

Nick Halsey, Silkeborg, Denmark

We don't use apostrophes incorrectly either

Nick Offer, Ayr, Scotland

Ben, this is a British paper, using their own vernacular is perfectly appropriate.

Patricia, Savage, MN, USA

Firstly, if you don't like the spelling, I suggest you read an American newspaper website. The Times is a British newspaper. Secondly, if you are more concerned with the words used rather than the event itself, you are a very sad individual.

Paul Day, Kingswinford, UK

Dear Ben,
It might seem amazing, THERE "in the US" is not the only place where news are read. Please!

Isabel Rodriguez, Londres,

Perhaps Mr Lofgren should remember that the report was in an English newspaper for people speaking English, not American (nor British for that matter) ? As to "learn the lingo" when reporting foreign events, does he expect his newpapers to use French when reporting events in Paris ? How true his first sentence.

Alan, London, UK

We don't use British words here in the US. If you are going to report about things that happen here you need to learn the lingo so that you can report it properly and people can read it easily. Please! We either call them trucks or semi's or tractor trailers. There are many better words to choose from when reporting here in the US for US readers. NOT a lorry.

Ben Lofgren, Pardeeville, WI