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In 1917 it was decided that, by means of several reforms, the two languages should gradually merge into one. This policy faltered due to strong opposition from both camps and in 1966 the idea of rapprochement was abandoned. As a result of this rapprochement a series of optional forms were introduced. To mention a few: People could choose whether to write fram (akin to Nynorsk) or frem (akin to Riksmål), utdanning (Nynorsk) or utdannelse (Riksmål), veg (Nynorsk) or vei (Riksmål). People could write huset mitt (Nynorsk) or mitt hus (Riskmål). One can choose between a-ending in the definite singular form of feminine words; boka, jenta, musa, kåpa (akin to Nynorsk) or en-endngs; boken, jenten, musen, kåpen (akin to Riksmål). In the preterite form of regular verbs, group 1, we can use a-endings; hoppa, kasta, snakka or et-endings; hoppet, kastet, snakket. This policy has resulted in a chaotic languages situation where anybody, wherever they come from, can find an accepted norm that reflects their local dialect and still call it Bokmål. Nynorsk is less liberal in the use of optional forms and until recently did not allow words of Greek or Latin origin such as: eksempel, eskortere, evaluere etc. and use used words originating in Old Norse instead: døme, følgje, verdsetja,
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