Should we use try and or try to? Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage says it’s grammatically permissible to “try and go to the store,” or to ask someone to “try and speak up.” However, a fan of formality ought to stick with try to. Still...
Is the word criteria singular or plural? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Criteria” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hello, this is Michelle Diekelman calling from Oceanside, California. Well, hello, Michelle. Welcome to the...
Sure, there’s Grandma and Grampa, but there’s also Gammy, Bumpy, Dadoo, Gre-Gre, Kiki, Kerkel, Monga, Nee-Nee, Pots, Rah-Rah and Woo-Woo. Martha and Grant talk about the endlessly inventive names grandchildren call their grandparents. They also...
James in Seattle asks whether the final s belongs in words like toward, forward, and backward. In American English, especially in print, style guides generally prefer the forms without s. British English is more likely to use forms with the s, such...
A Pennsylvania caller asks to clarify the difference between who vs. that. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Should You Use “Who” Instead of “That” for People?” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hello, I’m Kathy. I’m calling from...
