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The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies
Episode 1001
1001. This week, we explore the often-overlooked rules for ordering adjectives in English and when to use commas between them. Then, spurred by a rec…
1 year, 11 months ago
Grammar Girl at 1000: Words, wisdom, and a dash of whimsy
Episode 1000
1000. In this special 1000th episode, I take the hot seat to answer your questions. Hear what made the first year of the podcast so wild, what I wish…
1 year, 11 months ago
The birth of American English. How to recognize a phrasal verb. Cucka-nucka.
Episode 999
999. This week, we look at what shaped early American English, from Native American words to Noah Webster's spelling reforms. Then, we explore phrasa…
1 year, 11 months ago
Buying your hometown newspaper, with Samantha & Greg Enslen
Episode 998
998. This week, I talked with Samantha and Greg Enslen, who recently purchased their hometown newspaper, the "Tippecanoe Gazette" in Tipp City, Ohio.…
2 years ago
'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit.
Episode 997
997. This week, I help you learn (and remember!) the difference between "which" and "that" with practical tips and examples about cupcakes. Then, we …
2 years ago
The Hidden Stories of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart
Episode 996
996. This week, you'll learn about the rich linguistic history of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart, an advisor to the Oxford Diction…
2 years ago
The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing.
Episode 995
995. This week, we look at when to use parentheses, dashes, and commas and how the choice can change the tone of your writing. Then, we dive into the…
2 years ago
Exploring the Language of 'Dune': An Interview with Kevin J. Anderson and Scott Brick
Episode 994
994. This week, I sat down with the prolific "Dune" author Kevin J. Anderson and the famed "Dune" narrator Scott Brick to explore the language challe…
2 years ago
The power of sign language in 'Dune.' The words we use for dad. Chee
Episode 993
993. This week, we cover the strategic use of sign language by the Bene Gesserit in the 'Dune' movies, including its importance in covert communicati…
2 years ago
The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer
Episode 992
992. What began as a simple word game in 1913 sparked a nationwide craze just a decade later, causing a moral panic and changing American publishing …
2 years ago