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That's What They Say

That's What They Say is a weekly segment on Michigan Radio that explores our changing language. Each week University of Michigan English Professor Anne Curzan will discuss why we say what we say with ... Read more

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TWTS: Your verbiage might be your best quality, unless its your worst

TWTS: Your verbiage might be your best quality, unless its your worst

If you mention my verbiage, it’s no longer clear if I should be insulted.

14 Aug 2023

4mins

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TWTS: An extra maître d' serves up a spelling question

TWTS: An extra maître d' serves up a spelling question

If you have more than one head waiter at a restaurant, you run into a funny spelling question in English.

6 Aug 2023

4mins

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TWTS: Don't blow off "off"

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TWTS: Comparatives need gooder usage rules

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TWTS: Both may come from a hare, but it's still "hide nor hair"

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TWTS: We hereby sanction you to use "sanction" as you see fit

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TWTS: What's the "hap" in "haphazard"?

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