Homer’s Iliad: epic, an epic, or an epic epic? Join my jaunt on how language (d)evolves.
Read moreA gerund and an infinitive walk into a bar, drinking to forget.
"Franklin the infinitive” and “Gerry the gerund” are pretty much Lilith and Norm from Cheers — except they’re friends. Check out their story on this week’s episode of Grammar Walks into a Bar… see you there!
Read moreBeware the Jabberwock, My Son!
Along came Lewis Carroll breaking all the rules… he rocked my world and exploded my imagination with this single poem.
Read moreThe Plight of the Interrobang
Don’t cry for the Interrobang. The truth is it never left us. It seems that until this day the interrobang still has a “cult following.” I kid you not.
Read moreThe Tale of Bob & Hannah: A Riddle
Today, we’re going to play a little game. I’m going to invent a story. It’ll most likely sound forced and make little sense. You’re going to go along with it and ultimately tell me which ridiculous English-language phenomenon we’re dealing with. Are you ready?
Read moreOn Eareggs and Eggcorns
The “shoe-in” has nothing to do with a shoe fitting well—sorry Cinderella, it’s shoo. This is why copyeditors exist. Hire one today. We’re paid to know this shit so you don’t have to.
Read moreWicked Stepsisters
Like Cinderella, homophones also have wicked stepsisters. They’re nerdier, but no less awful. Their names are homographs and heteronyms. Their mission in life is to confuse the crap out of anyone learning the English language—children and adults alike.
Read morePssst! Hey, Word Whiz. Take the Word Nerd Quiz!
Are you a word whiz? Want to tell that homophone who’s boss? Take the newly invented quiz for word nerds, by yours truly. But first, let me set the scene.
Read moreThe Lost Art of the Clever Insult
Revive a lost art form. Insult with the understated sass and class of Churchill, Faulkner, Wilde and the greats.
Read moreCobwebs, Curfews and Buying the Farm: Words that Make You Go Hmmmm
English is weird. Words are weird. Explore some words that make you go hmmmm. You won’t regret it.
Read moreWho Doesn't Like an Occasional Alliterative Mnemonic Device?
A copyeditor’s chief concerns are clarity, coherency, consistency and correctness. With a side of (free) cheese.
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