870. We look at the linguistic difference between lying and misleading, and then because people often lie with numbers, we look at the difference between "percent" and "percentage" and how to use them.

I Cannot Tell a Lie (but I Can Mislead)! And Sometimes People Do It With Percentages.

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.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Language," and why linguists should take marketing tips from Apple and why Ben Franklin thought the word "colonize" was bad.

Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan

979. Explore the fascinating origins of punctuation and how it evolved to shape written language. Plus, learn techniques to untangle confusing noun clusters and bring clarity to your writing.

The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket.

978. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, Charles Duhigg, as we talk about mastering the art of communication and his new book, "Supercommunicators." We explore the skills anyone (yes, you!) can learn to become a powerful communicator. (Grammar Girl Conversations)

How to become a supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg

977. This week, we cover the latest AP Stylebook updates that were just revealed at the ACES conference. From the switch to Merriam-Webster to easing up on the word "unique," we look at what these changes mean for writers and editors. Plus, we explore "catawampus" thanks to its cameo in the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" finale. Learn about its quirky origins, regional differences, and wordy friends like "kitty-corner."

Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy

976. This week, we dive into the "cativerse" and explore the vocabulary, grammar, and spelling habits of our furry friends. Plus, don't get tripped up by "imply" versus "infer."  In the second segment, we dive into the definitions, origins, and proper usage of these often-confused words.

I Cannot Tell a Lie (but I Can Mislead)! And Sometimes People Do It With Percentages.

Download our free app to listen on your phone