Grammar Minute

What does it really mean to "beg the question"? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Episode summary: Don't. But if you must, here's how. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Why do you need to know that e is the most frequently used letter in the English alphabet? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What should you do on the days when words just won't word? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

This southern phrase has international origins and is older than you might think. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Is "regardful" a word---and if so, should you use it? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

If you think you know how this idiom goes, you might have another "thing" coming. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What's the difference between "affect" and "effect"? Hint: It may be more complicated than you think. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Grammar Minute is back with more "biweekly" tips and tricks!

You need extra commas just like you need those old, dusty boxes in the attic. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Ahead of the midterm elections, here's what you need to know before you check the polls. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Quotation marks are for quotes, not emphasis. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Learn the eight parts of speech---and help save the English language in sixty seconds! Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute.

One of these implies butlers ... and the other implies your friend is late. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

There ain't no reason why you wouldn't not want to use no double negatives. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

These words are for decoration only, not regular use. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

This mysterious meal has largely fallen out of favor in most of the US---and it can mean several different things. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Avoid confusion by banishing this word. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Hoot owls and humans have a few words in common. Learn more about the vocab of owls on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Probably not as much as you'd think. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

This tip from journalism can help make your writing stick with readers. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Hint: The usual rules still apply. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Exhibit A. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Here's another word you can almost always cut from your writing. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Most people think "enormity" means huge, but it actually means "huge evil"---which can lead to some hilarious news headlines. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

NOTE ON OUR NEW UPDATE SCHEDULE: We're back from winter break with new episodes on Tuesday and Thursday. Don't forget to tune in each week!

AI is like a professional librarian. Learn how to use it the right way on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Let's face it ... we can all tell. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Is "costed" a word? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Annotation can be helpful for retention. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

The rule you were taught may not be the right one. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

I'm not an "alumni." Learn why on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

A phrase that's now a cliche was once fresh and interesting. Now, it's old hat. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What counts as jargon? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

I have a vendetta against the word "meaningful." Find out why on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

When should you quote other authors in your original research? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

This may make your paper-writing easier. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Can you start a sentence with a conjunction? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Learn how not to spell this word on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Here's your super-speed review of the eight parts of speech on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Is "bona-fide" an adjective or a noun? How is it pronounced? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Eliminate confusion with the simple Oxford comma. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

That's one rule all style guides agree on. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

This tricky question is more important than you might think. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Next time you visit the DMV, you'll be thinking about today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Learn the difference between the phonics and whole word methods of reading on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

This irregular adverb is almost always unnecessary. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

This is your regularly scheduled reminder that "further" and "farther" don't mean the same thing. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

"Antidisestablishmentarianism" contains a canceling double negative, a long word sandwiched between prefix and suffix, and more confusion than any reader needs. Learn more about this word--and how not to use long words--on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Don't get me wrong: I still like the song. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Long sentences can be confusing and tough to read. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

How long is too long for the dictionary? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Read good books--that's how you become a better writer. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Mintue!

If you want to be a good grammarian, start by being a good typist. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

A rare tip about writing fiction on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Probably not. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Em dashes and en dashes sound similar--but they're not the same. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

On this podcast, we talk a lot about how to use em dashes correctly--but we rarely talk about what they are. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

... Maybe. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Where does our favorite c*nsorship symbol come from? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

When should you capitalize "mom" and "dad"--and "grandpa" and "auntie" and all the rest? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Let's turn back to the Chicago Manual of Style for another grammar rule!

If you're looking for an editor for your next project--whether that's a query letter, manuscript, or magazine article--look no further! Visit laurensmythbooks.com to learn more.

Hint: They're both locations. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Mintue!

Em dashes and other grammar tricks aren't proof that text is written with AI. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Let's end this bad typing habit once and for all. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What's the difference between these three similar-looking punctuation marks? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What's the difference between these two commonly confused phrases? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we're enjoying the South with all its extreme heat, delicious cooking, and wonderful hospitality!

COMING SOON: My fifth dystopian/sci fi novel from Enclave Publishing. Get updates here!

What's the difference between "weary" and "wary?" Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

My fourth science fiction novel, Warsafe, releases today! You can find it on Amazon (where it's the #1 new release in its category!) or directly from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS: There’s one building on her island that Halley has never visited: the Mercenary House. Perched atop a mountain, surrounded by unnaturally evergreen foliage, the House is rumored to be a breeding ground for criminals. Mercenaries are liars, cheats, spies . . . and maybe, depending on who you ask, killers.

At the Warsafe headquarters in Seattle, Roscoe is beta testing the company’s new video game. It’s her job to track down glitches—but something is different about this one. Lurking behind the lines of malfunctioning code is a secret that threatens to drag her deeper into the game, forcing her to put her life on the line if she ever wants to come home.

Worlds collide as Roscoe teams up with Halley to uncover the island’s secret and expose Warsafe’s designs. But some mysteries are better left unsolved. As traitor after so-called traitor is revealed to be on their side, they begin to wonder: Could Warsafe’s mission be critical enough to justify its cruelty?

Samantha Mendell is an author and editor at Mendell Studios. Learn more about common writing mistakes, incorporating faith into writing, and more in today's special episode of Grammar Minute!

This is (officially) the last episode of Grammar Minute recorded for WRFH Radio Free Hillsdale, 101.7 FM. While we're at it, learn how to write "thank you" when used as an adjective. 

A common tip for speed reading is suppressing your internal narrator. Learn why this might work for you on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

New to the Grammar Hall of Shame: "You can respond to other's events." Learn why this is wrong on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What's the proper way to write "World Pilots' Day?" It turns out, you have options. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Where does the $ sign come from--and should it have one line or two? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Learn about this weird and wild punctuation mark on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

What's the proper response to "How are you?" Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Learn about antecedents on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Learn how to avoid run-on sentences in today's episode of Grammar Minute!

It's throwback day on Grammar Minute! Hear the first-ever pilot episode of your favorite writing podcast.

You won't want to miss the enormity of this Grammar Minute episode.

What does "SOS" stand for? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Enjoy a continuation of tips from economist Doug Allen's writing guide!

Enjoy a tip from economist Doug Allen's writing guide in today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Where did this idiom originate? Find out on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Learn some more fun facts about English grammar in today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Learn some fun facts about English grammar in today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Probably not what you think. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

These two words are similar ... but not the same. Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

We toss around these Latin abbreviations like we know what they mean ... but do we really? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Adjectival phrases must match the subject of the sentence. Learn why on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Esther grew up on a farm in Missouri, where she spent her childhood in the woods playing with Peter Pan and the Pevensies. She graduated from The Author Conservatory with a certification in creative writing, and a certification in business and entrepreneurship. When she’s not writing, you might find Esther baking snickerdoodles and singing showtunes or going on adventures (like visiting bookstores) with her husband. 

What's the history of this social media magic symbol? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

If you're writing something long, like a book or a research paper, I argue you shouldn't bother outlining. Learn why on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

When you're writing something new, where should you invest the most time? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!

Where do we get this weird expression? Learn more on today's episode of Grammar Minute!