Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
QuickAndDirtyTips.com
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 30, 2024 • 30min
Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones
Author Paul Anthony Jones discusses why English lacks gender like Spanish and French, the hardest languages to learn, and the history behind why Q is always followed by U. They also explore the evolution of grammatical gender, the significance of the letter Q in English, the influence of gestures in language, and the possibility of a separate US edition of his book.
May 28, 2024 • 19min
What is a Word? Target moments.
Author Paul Anthony Jones discusses the complexities of defining a word, from plurals to contractions, in a fascinating exploration. The podcast delves into morphemes, compound words, and target moments like hidden details in logos, encouraging sharing unique family dialects.
May 23, 2024 • 27min
How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski
Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, discusses the unique Armed Services Editions published during WWII for troops. Topics include collaborative wartime publishing efforts, lasting influence on the industry, and the special features of the compact dictionary created for soldiers.
May 21, 2024 • 17min
Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill.
Exploring the oddity of double subjects in sentences and the historical significance of the old F-like letter S. Delving into left dislocation in English sentences and the informality and usage of this technique. Uncovering the evolution of the medial S in English typography and sharing a nostalgic family phrase "Schwent Schwent on Dill".
May 16, 2024 • 32min
Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner
Erin Brenner, author of 'The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors,' shares time-saving tips on using Word, creating macros, and using automation tools. She discusses starting a freelance business, setting rates, managing costs, and maintaining work-life balance. The podcast also explores the benefits of text expanders, automation tools, and consistency checkers for writers and editors.
May 14, 2024 • 16min
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"!
Wyoming-based editor Michaela Dunn joins to discuss whimsical words like 'dinkus' and 'gadzook'. They delve into the origins of 'whim-wham for a goose's bridle' and share quick tips on capitalizing 'mom' and 'dad'.
May 9, 2024 • 27min
Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions
Author Eli Burnstein discusses the nuances between words like stock and broth, street and boulevard, maze and labyrinth. He shares insights into language, culture, and the subtle differences that shape meanings. From color confusion to urban planning details, the podcast explores a range of interesting topics.
May 7, 2024 • 18min
Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys
Retired multidisciplined language person Susan K. Herman discusses 'skunked' words and the debate between traditional vs. new usages in writing. Also, explore how using 'we' vs. 'I' affects perceptions of leadership and inclusivity.
May 2, 2024 • 31min
Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen
Medievalist Hana Videen dives into the world of Old English animal names, revealing intriguing translations like 'walking weaver' for spider and 'unland' for a whale's deceptive island. She explores the symbolic significance of dragons, the multicolored nature of panthers, and the hidden runes in Old English texts, providing captivating insights into language and literature.
Apr 30, 2024 • 18min
When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers.
Samantha Enslen explores how to cite AI chatbots like ChatGPT in writing; then, an intriguing linguistic journey through animal terms like 'critter' and 'varmint'.
