Articles about Usage

The backstory of the term novel, as in novel coronavirus, is a fascinating etymological tale that actually involves another pandemic — one that happened 700 years ago. Continue reading...

Is Dreyer's English "utterly correct"? Of course not, as the author would be the first to acknowledge. But it's compulsively readable, thoroughly helpful, and delightfully funny. For anyone who cares about writing well, it's an utterly essential addition to your shelf of most-reached-for reference books. Continue reading...

The realm of nerdiness has been steadily expanding for years, with nerd culture taking over the world in the form of technology and pop culture. That makes this a good time to look at this insult turned compliment with a murky past and bright future. Continue reading...

There's some pretty terrific vocabulary associated with bleak situations. So grab a gherkin and savor these words related to pickles, muddles, and other forms of trouble. Continue reading...

The lingo of our National Pastime may not strike you as particularly fascinating at first, but dig a little deeper and you'll appreciate how many baseball terms also apply to life in general. Continue reading...

For many, Labor Day and its three-day holiday weekend signals the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. But Labor Day is also a time to recognize those who toil and slog through their jobs. Here are some vocabulary words inspired by hard work. Continue reading...