Defusing Your Participles
Should you say I appreciate your coming or I appreciate you coming? That’s the question.
Magazine: Garner the Grammarian
The Supreme Court Denotes Race
On the Court, the Black/black issue is the culmination of a long stylistic evolution.
The People That (Whom?) You Know
It’s your readers that you must think of.
The Spread of the Glottal Stop
Noticing the spread of the glottal stop.
An Interview with Thomas De Quincey
‘You’re concerned about the decline of rhetoric, aren’t you?’
Phatic Language
On the talk that smooths social interactions.
Remembering the Underground Grammarian
Richard Mitchell’s appearances with Johnny Carson made the most lasting impressions.
Of Husbands, Wives, and Hypernyms
Some of the needed transformations can surprise.
Our Changing Words: Part II of a Two-Part Series
Many people see the overthrow of customary usage with consternation or even indignation.
Our Changing Words: Part I of a Two-Part Series
Though the language constantly shifts, you’re entitled to grouse and harrumph at newfangled applications of words.