Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

The birth of American English. How to recognize a phrasal verb. Cucka-nucka.

Jul 2, 2024
Valerie Fridland, a linguistics professor at the University of Nevada, dives into the fascinating origins of American English, revealing how Native American words and Noah Webster's reforms shaped its identity. She explores the quirks of phrasal verbs alongside insightful tips for distinguishing them from other verb forms. Listeners enjoy a humorous family anecdote about the term 'kaka naka', highlighting how personal language evolves. The discussion is a delightful mix of history and humor, celebrating the quirks that make American English unique.
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