Why We Say ‘Batten Down the Hatches’
When a big storm like a hurricane or even a big challenge that's more abstract is coming, you might hear the phrase, 'Batten down the hatches.'
Why We Say ‘It’s Time to Get Out of Dodge!’
Sometimes the phrase refers to being time to 'Get the Hell out of Dodge,' but it's a popular expression most people say without ever considering its origin.
Fair or Fare?
Should it be fair or fare? Both words sound alike but they have different meanings, so let's take a closer look at this potentially confusing pair.
Indict or Indite?
Should it be indict or indite? They're two words that sound the same but you'll usually encounter one of them when something has gone awry.
Coop or Coup?
A choice between coop or coup can be confusing because the words look similar, but they're neither spelled nor pronounced the same way.
Faze or Phase?
Should it be faze or phase? The two words are pronounced the same way but they have very different meanings. So let's have a look at this pair.
Here’s How to Spot a Comma Splice
A comma splice is one of the many ways our beloved English language can trip us up if we're not careful. Comma splices are quite common.
There is no T in Alzheimer’s
I hear more and more people mispronouncing the name Alzheimer’s when talking about that horrible neurodegenerative disease.
The Missing Word from the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
Did Astronaut Neil Armstrong really forget a word in the message he sent back during the Apollo 11 moon landing 50 years ago?
Should You Use ‘Autistic’ or ‘With Autism’ to Describe Children?
There is disagreement over whether to use autistic or with autism when talking about people affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Buck Naked or Butt Naked? Which Means Nude to You?
There's an interesting debate over whether an idiom for nudity is correctly written as buck naked or butt naked. Some think either is fine.
Cardi B Denied Trademark for ‘Okurrr’
Celebrity Cardi B cannot trademark the non-word 'Okurrr,' her signature phrase, U.S. Patent and Trademark officials have decided. Rapper Cardi...
Shoe-In or Shoo-In?
When writing about something that is considered to be a sure thing, should that guaranteed outcome be referred to as a shoe-in or shoo-in?
11 Non-Words That Are Said Too Often
For some grammar enthusiasts, few things are more annoying than non-words. People use them as if they're completely valid, even though they aren't.
