Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Doug Fraser, known as Dougie Pickles, is the creator of the acclaimed Cozy Critters podcast. He discusses the linguistic techniques that soothe and captivate young listeners, emphasizing the importance of varied sentence lengths and deliberate word choices. Doug reveals how storytelling in children's media can create emotional connections, engage creativity, and provide comfort, especially through the use of alliteration and rhythmic language. He also shares insights on adapting written content for audio and the charm of storytelling in fostering heart health.

Explore why we say "prob'ly" instead of "probably" as the podcast dives into sound omission in everyday speech. Discover a fascinating study about AI's influence on language, particularly how ChatGPT is reshaping communication. The conversation highlights various types of elision and their importance for language learners, while also discussing AI's impact on vocabulary among content creators. Plus, there's a fun take on enhancing breakfast nutrition amidst lighthearted promos!

Rob Drummond, a sociolinguist from Manchester Metropolitan University and author of "You're All Talk," dives deep into the fascinating world of accents. He discusses how accents not only shape our identities but also influence perceptions across social classes. The conversation touches on the Accent Van project, capturing diverse voices from Greater Manchester, and explores the challenges of bias in accent research. Drummond also highlights issues like code-switching and linguistic discrimination, revealing the powerful impact of speech on opportunities and societal interactions.

Dive into the intriguing debate: Are em dashes really indicators of AI writing? Explore the true origins of this myth and discover smarter ways to assess writing authenticity. Additionally, unravel the nuanced differences between 'caregiver' and 'caretaker,' enriched with historical context and practical examples. The episode also shares a delightful family language tale, showcasing how unique phrases can add charm to everyday communication. Perfect for anyone interested in language evolution and the quirks of writing!

Lauren Gawne, a senior lecturer in linguistics and co-host of Lingthusiasm, dives into the fascinating world of gestures. She reveals how our hands speak volumes, often overshadowing spoken words. Different cultures use gestures uniquely, enhancing communication in profound ways. Gawne discusses how gestures impact speech fluency and clarity, especially in various contexts. Plus, she explores the intriguing parallels between emojis and physical gestures, emphasizing their role in modern conversations. Prepare to see your hands in a whole new light!

Dive into the nuances of 'further' vs. 'farther' and discover when to use each. Unpack the fascinating history of 'lorem ipsum,' a playful placeholder text that dates back to Cicero and has shaped design practices. Explore its quirky origins and the evolution of language through personal anecdotes. Plus, enjoy a humorous family tale about a mysterious lost lamp. The conversation blends grammar tips with entertaining storytelling, making language both fun and enlightening!

1088. He says he hates AI writing, but he's also the CEO of the company behind Draftsmith, an AI editing tool. Today, I talk with Daniel Heuman about editing, AI, energy use, and how tools like DraftSmith try to help without replacing human editors.Draftsmith → draftsmith.ai🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Dan FeierabendDirector of Podcast: Holly HutchingsAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Video: Nat Hoopes| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook.Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.

1087. You use the word "the" hundreds of times a day, but are you pronouncing it wrong? Today I have the rules I never learned about whether to say “thuh” or “thee.” Then, we look at why Latin died (and why "died" isn't quite the right way to describe it).The "Latin" segment is by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. In the late '90s, as a young mom with two kids and a dog, she founded one of the internet's first writing workshop communities. These days, she facilitates expressive writing workshops, both online and off. Find her at chanterellestorystudio.com🔗 AP style webinar. Code MACMIL for $50 off🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Dan FeierabendDirector of Podcast: Holly HutchingsAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Video: Nat Hoopes| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook.Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.

1086. What does it really take to earn a living as a writer? Jane Friedman explains the multiple paths writers take — from speaking and consulting to newsletters and hybrid publishing—and offers grounded, practical advice for navigating the business of writing in 2025 and beyond.Jane Friedman is the author of "The Business of Being a Writer."🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook.Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.

1085. Do abbreviations like “plz” and “ty” actually make your texts feel less sincere? New research suggests they might. We explore how shortened words affect how your messages are received — even in romantic conversations. Then, we offer practical tips for writing thoughtful, specific thank-you notes that reflect real gratitude.The texting segment was written by David Fang, a PhD student in marketing at Stanford University. Sam Maglio, an Associate Professor of Marketing and Psychology at the University of Toronto, also contributed to the writing. It originally ran on The Conversation, and appears here through a Creative Commons license.The "thank-you" segment originally ran on the OUP Blog and appears here with permission. Edwin Battistella taught linguistics and writing at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, where he served as a dean and as interim provost. He is the author of "Do You Make These Mistakes in English?" (OUP, 2009), "Bad Language" (OUP, 2005), and "The Logic of Markedness" (OUP, 1996).🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Dan FeierabendDirector of Podcast: Holly HutchingsAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Video: Nat Hoopes| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook.Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.