Shows / Grammar Girl
Grammar Girl
Five-time winner of Best Education Podcast in the Podcast Awards. Grammar Girl provides short, friendly tips to improve your writing and feed your love of the English language. Whether English is your first language or your second language, these grammar, punctuation, style, and business tips will make you a better and more successful writer. Grammar Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast.
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Episodes
- Grammar Girl
635 - 'Quick and Dirty.' 'Momentarily.' Short Subjects.
For everyone who has wondered why we're called the "Quick and Dirty Tips" podcast network, I have the origin story. Plus, we'll talk about how annoyed you…
- Grammar Girl
634 - 'Rack' or 'Wrack'? How to Eliminate Adverbs.
Did you know that "wrack" is a word for seaweed? I didn't! Also, getting rid of adverbs usually improves your writing, but not always. FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL…
- Grammar Girl
BONUS: Words for Color
Hear one of my favorite segments from a recent Stitcher Premium bonus episode. These are normally available for only Stitcher Premium subscribers, but we want…
- Grammar Girl
633 - Is That Comment Facetious, Sarcastic, or Sardonic? Cleft Sentences.
Is That Comment Facetious, Sarcastic, or Sardonic? Cleft Sentences. FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter: http://twitter.com/grammargirl Facebook…
- Grammar Girl
632 - 'Ask' as a Noun. Ships as 'She.'
This week we answer a listener question about "the ask" and look at whether it's OK to call boats, cars, and countries "she." FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter…
- Grammar Girl
631 - Anniversaries. Conversate.
It's the 12th anniversary of the Grammar Girl podcast! Or is that the 12-year anniversary? No! In honor of this illustrious event, we look at why people say…
- Grammar Girl
630 - Who Wrote the ABC Song? Shark Idioms!
This week, we talk about who wrote the alphabet song that helps people learn their ABCs, and we investigate six silly idioms about sharks. #SharkWeek FOLLOW…
- Grammar Girl
629 - 'Gourmet' or 'Gourmand'? Why July 14 Is Called Bastille Day.
In honor of Bastille Day (July 14), we talk about the difference between a gourmet and a gourmand, and we talk about words the French and English use to insult…
- Grammar Girl
628 - Why 'Bag' and 'Beg' Sound the same to some people? Does 'Texas' Mean 'Crazy'?
This week, we’ll talk about why I pronounce the word “aggravate” in a way that irritated many of you, the difference between “interment” and “internment,” and…
- Grammar Girl
627 - How to Write a Great Cover Letter. 'Kinda' and 'Wanna': Real Words or Not?
How to write a great cover letter. Also, we say "kinda," "wanna," and "gonna," so why don't we write them? FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter…
- Grammar Girl
626 - ‘Aggravate’ Versus ‘Irritate’ What Is a Functional Shift?
Some people say you shouldn't use "aggravate" to mean "irritate" or "annoy." It has to do with the word's origin. Also, does it irritate you when people use…
- Grammar Girl
625 - ‘Dinner’ or ‘Supper’? How to Write a Thank-You Note
‘Dinner’ or ‘Supper’? How to Write a Thank-You Note FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter: http://twitter.com/grammargirl Facebook: http://facebook.com/grammargirl…
- Grammar Girl
624 - ‘Trooper’ and ‘Trouper.” Why Is It Called a Spelling Bee?
This week, we talk about the difference between a "trooper" and a "trouper," about why a spelling bee is called a "bee," and about a bunch of other "bee"…
- Grammar Girl
623 - 'Calvary' or 'Cavalry'? Spelling Bee Interview.
If you have trouble remembering how to pronounce "cavalry," I have a memory trick for you. Plus, if you love the spelling bee (or are just curious about how it…
- Grammar Girl
622 - Is a Troop One Person or a Group? Repetition
Is a troop one person or a group, and what's up with obviously repetitive phrases such as "It is what it is"? FOLLOW ALONG ON THE WEBSITE Troops…
- Grammar Girl
621 - ‘Council’ or ‘Counsel’? Direct and Indirect Quotations. Oxymorons.
People have been confusing "council" and "counsel" since the 16th century. Sometimes you put single words such as "yes" and "no" in quotation marks, and…
- Grammar Girl
620 - When to Capitalize 'Mom.' In the Doldrums.
Whether you capitalize "mom" depends on how you are using the word, and did you know that "the doldrums" are an actual location? FOLLOW ALONG ON THE WEBSITE…
- Grammar Girl
619 - Co-worker. Barefaced and Baldfaced Lies. Mixed Metaphors.
Co-worker. Barefaced and Baldfaced Lies. Mixed Metaphors. FOLLOW ALONG ON THE WEBSITE Does Co-Worker Always Take a Hyphen? http://bit.ly/co-worker-hyphen…
- Grammar Girl
618 - Jazz and Thunder. Say Your Piece (or Peace)?
Are sports team names singular or plural? Do you say your piece or say your peace? FOLLOW ALONG ON THE WEBSITE http://bit.ly/sports-teams…
- Grammar Girl
617 - 'Lay' and 'Lie.' 'Grill' and 'Grille.' 'Warsh.'
This week, we talk about why people say "warsh" instead of "wash"(it's called in the intrusive R), about why we have two spellings for the word that sounds…
- Grammar Girl
616 - The Prodigal Tongue. Odoriferous. Battle Royale.
This week, I have a delightful excerpt from Lynne Murphy's new book "The Prodigal Tongue" about the differences between British and American English, a tip…
- Grammar Girl
615 - Humor with Adverbs. Noisome. Receipts. Case Quarters.
This week, we talk about how adverbs can be squishy in what they modify and how that can lead to funny double meanings, about the difference between "noisy"…
- Grammar Girl
614 - Illeism. Named For or After? Misinformation and Disinformation.
When famous characters or people like Hercule Poirot and LeBron James refer to themselves by their own name, it's called illeism, and it can actually be a…
- Grammar Girl
613 - Dictionary.com Starts Defining Emoji (an interview with Jane Solomon)
Dictionary.com has added emoji definitions to its site, and I have an interview with the lexicographer behind the decision, Jane Solomon. Emoji are a lot more…
- Grammar Girl
612 - The Pin/Pen Merger. American. 'Half-Staff' or 'Half-Mast'?
This week, we talk about why some people say "pin" and "pen" the same way, why citizens of the United States call themselves "Americans" when other people live…
- Grammar Girl
611 - Pudding. "There Are" Sentences. Winning Limerick
This week, we talk about why we say "the proof is in the pudding," why "there are" sentences can be so confusing (what the heck is the subject in such as…
- Grammar Girl
610 - Top 10 Grammar Myths. How 13 Dog Breeds Got Their Names.
Celebrate National Grammar Day (March 4) by forsaking these common language myths. Also, enter our limerick contest and we might read your limerick in the next…
- Grammar Girl
609 - Pull Idioms. Surprising Food Names. Dillydally.
You're sure to be surprised by the origin of at least one of these idioms that use the word "pull." Plus, we talk about foods that get their names from the…
- Grammar Girl
608 - Dilly Dilly. How Many Prepositions Can You Put in a Row?
This week, we look a sentence from "Cannery Row" and wonder how it can have so many prepositions in a row, and we find the origin of "dilly dilly." FOLLOW…
- Grammar Girl
607 - Brainstorming. Call Out Sick? Synesis.
This week, we talk about tricks to help you get started writing a new essay, article, or novel; whether it's wrong to say you "call out sick"; and what's up…
- Grammar Girl
606 - Levidromes, Tom Swifty Jokes, and new OED Words.
Levidromes, Tom Swifty Jokes, and new OED Words. Plus, how "phony" is related to a jewel con. FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter: http://twitter.com/grammargirl…
- Grammar Girl
605 - A Homophone Error at the SAG Awards. Lectern or Podium? Capitalizing Award Names
How a homophone mix up led to Judi Dench bread jokes. Also, the difference between a lectern, a podium, and a dais, and a Quick and Dirty Tip about…
- Grammar Girl
BONUS: Introducing Launch
This week, I'm excited to share a bonus clip from a new podcast called Launch. Three out of five people dream of writing a book. Few follow through. What does…
- Grammar Girl
604 - Origin of 'Gerrymandering.' Is 'Data' Singular or Plural?
This week we explore the origin of the word "gerrymander" and dive into the debate about whether "data" is singular or plural (or both). FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL…
- Grammar Girl
603 - Words of the Year, Why You Shouldn't Use 'Eskimo,' 'Canon' or 'Cannon'?
This week I apologize for using the word "Eskimo," go through all the interesting 2017 words of the year, and give you a tip to remember the difference between…
- Grammar Girl
601 - 'Based In' or 'Based Out Of.' Omitting 'That'
Based on, based off, based in, based out of...people are changing the way they use prepositions with "based." Also, people can get overzealous about deleting…
- Grammar Girl
600 - How to Pronounce 'Caramel.' Sports Idioms
Have you been pronouncing "caramel" wrong your whole life? Also, we discuss interesting sports idioms including "in the crosshairs," "jump the gun," and "slam…
- Grammar Girl
599 - Delicious English Words (Chocolate, Guacamole) with Aztec Roots
Chocolate, guacamole, and more yummy words we get from Aztec languages. Also, why "lock, stock, and barrel" means "all of it" and what it has to do with Sir…
- Grammar Girl
598 - Gifting and Regifting. Take a Decision.
Is "gifting" a word, and is regifting rude? Also, do you "take" a decision or "make" a decision? FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter: http://twitter.com/grammargirl…
- Grammar Girl
597 - Eskimo Words for Snow. Write a Book!
I bust the myth that Inuit have hundreds of words for snow, and I share an excerpt from Jack Gantos' new book "Writing Radar" that will help you pledge to…
- Grammar Girl
595 - 'Side' Words. What Is a Bailiwick?
While you're planning your Thanksgiving side dishes, enjoy a segment about English "side" words. Plus, what is a bailiwick? FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter…
- Grammar Girl
594 - The Plural of 'Batman.' Why Smart People Struggle with Shakespeare Too.
I debate what the plural of "Batman" should be (it's not straightforward!) and explore why the language of Shakespeare is hard to understand, even if you're…
- Grammar Girl
593 - The Origin of English: Proto-Indo-European.
We explore the origin of English (and other languages) all the way back to the language known as Proto-Indo-European. FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter…
- Grammar Girl
592 - "Sofa" or "Couch"? "Skeleton" Idioms.
This week, we talk about the difference between "sofa," "couch," and all the other words for that piece of furniture. Plus, to get in the mood for Halloween…
- Grammar Girl
591 - 'Cannot' or 'Can Not'? 'Dead' Idioms.
This week, we talk about the difference between "cannot," "can not," "can't," and (horrors!) "cant." Plus, in honor of Halloween, we reveal the origin of three…
- Grammar Girl
590 - How to Write an Apology
How to avoid the worst apologies (the "if" apology, the passive voice apology, the reverse apology, and the florid fauxpology) and write a good apology letter…
- Grammar Girl
589 - The "Ruth's Chris" Apostrophe. Thingamajigs.
This week, I talk about what's up with the weird apostrophe in "Ruth's Chris Steak House" and where we get placeholder names like "thingamajig" and…
- Grammar Girl
588 - Why People Mimic Accents. Why People "Have Your Six."
This week, I talk about why we mimic accents, about how to pronounce "espresso," about interesting idioms that include the number six. FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL…
- Grammar Girl
587 - More British & American Differences. Quotation Marks with Periods and Commas
Quotation Marks with Periods and Commas FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter: http://twitter.com/grammargirl Facebook: http://facebook.com/grammargirl Pinterest…
- Grammar Girl
586 - UK and US English. 'Bad' or 'Badly'?
Unusual differences I noticed between British and American English on a recent trip. Plus, why you should say you "feed bad" and not that you "feed badly."…
- Grammar Girl
585 GG. Rainy Idioms. "Because," "Due To," "Since," and "As"
This week, we talk about rainy idioms and when to use "because" for "due to" and "since." FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter: http://twitter.com/grammargirl Facebook…
- Grammar Girl
584 GG. Pipe Dream. Comma Before a Quotation.
The woman who won more than $750 million in the Powerball lottery described it as a "pipe dream," so we look at the origin of the term. Also, whether to use a…
- Grammar Girl
583 GG Important or Importantly? Time Traveler Words
This week I tell you why you can ignore people who don't like "more importantly," and we talk about words that were new in 1555, 1967, 1977, and more. FOLLOW…
- Grammar Girl
582 GG. How to Use Quotations. Stop Calling Yourself a Grammar Nazi
What do you call yourself? A grammar lover, grammar peever, stickler, grammar grouch, grammando, grammar Nazi? Sure, it's all in fun, but it's time to rethink…
- Grammar Girl
581 GG. Riffle and Rifle. Worcestershire Sauce.
Worcestershire is pronounced nothing like it is spelled, and Gloucester and Leicester are the same way. We'll talk about some linguistic phenomena that explain…
- Grammar Girl
580 GG. Introductory Paragraphs. One of The...
Listeners sent in many more interesting phrases from obsolete technologies, and we also talk about how to write a great introductory paragraph and tricky…
- Grammar Girl
579 GG Language Games. Jerry-Built. And Female Juniors
We talked about "jury-rigged" a few months ago, and everybody wanted to know about "jerry-built," so here you go! Also, we have lots of listener feedback about…
- Grammar Girl
578 GG Words from Obsolete Technology
Some words survive long after the technology that made us use the words in the first place. Today, we look at words we get from typewriters, old telephones…
- Grammar Girl
577 GG The Trump Jr. Punctuation Kerfuffle. Generation Names.
FOLLOW GRAMMAR GIRL Twitter: http://twitter.com/grammargirl Facebook: http://facebook.com/grammargirl Snapchat: http://snapchat.com/add/thatgrammargirl…
- Grammar Girl
576 GG Critique or Criticize? Games Like Pig Latin
Do you "critique" a novel or "criticize" it? People used to object to one of these two words. And you told me about Pig-Latin-type games in your languages, and…