The word versus can be abbreviated any of several ways. In legal contexts in the United States, it’s usually abbreviated as v., as in Supreme Court decisions on Brown v. Board of Education or Roe v. Wade. In less formal situations, such as sports...
Today, the phrase hue and cry means a clamor or uproar, but in old English law, hue and cry referred to the public outcry during the pursuit of a criminal suspect. Anyone who heard this shouting was legally obligated to join in the chase. This is...
The third edition of Bryan Garner’s book, Modern American Usage is now out. Grant explains why it’s a wonderful reference to consult, even when you disagree with it. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Modern American Usage, Third...
A caller wants to know which is correct: pleaded or pled? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Pleaded vs. Pled” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi. Who is this? This is Matt from New Holstein, Wisconsin. New Holstein, Wisconsin...

