Afternoons Calling all grammar fans! We've got the interview for you
Jul 22, 2025
Ellen Jovin, a passionate grammarian and author of Rebel with a Clause, shares her unique journey of setting up a grammar table outside a New York subway. Alongside her husband Brandt Johnson, they traveled across America, answering grammar questions and fostering joyful conversations. From humorous anecdotes about grammar mishaps to discussions on uniting people through language, they explored how informal grammar chats can connect us despite societal divides. Their creative process for the accompanying documentary unveiled the emotional challenges faced during production.
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Making Grammar Fun and Accessible
- Grammar discussion can be a fun, street-level activity rather than confined to classrooms.
- It highlights language as a source of possibilities, not just rules.
Grammar as a Unifier
- Grammar can be a unifying topic amid social divides.
- Shared language creates connection beyond political or cultural differences.
Clarity Guides Grammar Choices
- Prioritize clarity when choosing grammar styles like the Oxford comma.
- Understand which rules are style choices versus absolute rights or wrongs.
