Grammar Grater - Minnesota Public Radio

This week, we investigate the casual and formal uses of the word pretty. Also, we announce that the podcast will be taking a brief hiatus.

This week, journalist Andrew Haeg joins us to talk about when to use literally -- and when not to use it.

This week, we examine two easily confused words: adverse and averse.

(Repeat Episode) We look at interesting words having to do with Halloween. We're joined by MPR News arts reporter, Euan Kerr.

This week, we're talking about the ellipsis. What's an ellipsis, you ask? Listen to the podcast to find out...

We investigate the seldom-told story about the meanings of the words affect and effect.

(Repeat episode) Adding intensifiers can give emphasis to your speech and writing; but sometimes they serve to weaken the message and are best left out.

(Repeat Episode) We address a couple of words that sound somewhat alike and come fairly close in meaning, yet can cause a bit of confusion: ambivalent and ambiguous.

This week, we investigate a figure of speech called metonymy.

As the title suggests, this week's episode is all about adverbs.

We're back at the Minnesota State Fair to gain insights about vocabulary that comes from the crafts of weaving and spinning. Our special guest is Judy Payne of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota.

This week, we visit the Minnesota State Fair to talk about a literary device called onomatopoeia.

We investigate a trio of words that share a common root and all have something to do with some aspect of belief, trust or worth: credible, creditable and credulous.

This week on Grammar Grater, we're going to examine three words that sound similar yet they have subtle differences in meaning. Those words are discomfit, discomfort and disconcert.

Lexicographer Wendalyn Nichols joins us to give advice on how to best use and choose dictionaries.

(Repeat episode) No other part of speech causes as much confusion -- and demonstrates the continuous evolution of the English language -- quite like plural nouns. Today we'll try to clear up some misunderstandings about some plural nouns that tend to give writers trouble.

We feature some lighthearted summer fare by looking at expressions that include the word mustard. Joining us is Barry Levenson, an author of three books and the founder and curator of the Mustard Museum in Wisconsin.

(Repeat Episode) We dissect a veritable carnival of idiomatic expressions, including "the elephant in the room" and "the 800 pound gorilla."

Editor Catherine Winter joins us to talk about two common types of word confusion.

We investigate the meaning and history of the word erstwhile.

This week, we look at a pair of commonly confused homophones: principal and principle.

This week marks our 100th original episode, as well as the 2nd anniversary of Grammar Grater. We're celebrating the occasion by presenting a "clip show" of some of our favorite moments from the past two years.

We examine another pair of words that can cause confusion: amuse and bemuse. If you enjoy Grammar Grater, consider supporting it by becoming a member at http://www.mpr.org/grammargrater

This week, we continue our two-part look at the issue of trademarks in writing.