Mr. & Mrs. English

In this episode, we explore the controversial use of the word "literally" in modern English. Often used figuratively to emphasize a point, "literally" has evolved from its traditional meaning of something happening in a factual sense. We'll examine several examples of this figurative usage, along with other words that have developed seemingly contradictory meanings. While some critics argue agains...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), based on the work of Zoltán Kövecses. CMT suggests that metaphors are more than just language tools; they are essential cognitive mechanisms that help us understand abstract concepts through concrete experiences. ---------- Some examples: ● ANGER IS FIRE: This metaphor maps the source domain of FIRE onto the tar...

We often see people wondering: Is English The Easiest Language To Learn? In this episode, we explore the debate around the difficulty of learning English. Drawing from a Reddit thread, a Medium article, and a blog post from Swap Language, we discuss varying perspectives on whether English is easy or hard to learn. We’ll examine factors like the simplicity of English grammar, its role as a global l...

In this episode, we're discussing essential rules of comma usage in English writing. We’ll break down common myths, such as the misconception that commas should be placed where you pause. Instead, we’ll explore proper comma use in various contexts, including separating items in a list, joining independent clauses, and setting off non-essential information. You’ll also learn how to handle commas in...

Today we're discussing the ambiguity of the words "biweekly" and "bimonthly," which can both mean "every other week" or "twice a month." We're especially looking at an article on Merriam-Webster. The article explains that the prefix "bi-" can mean both "occurring every two" and "occurring twice in", leading to this confusion. The article also suggests alternative words such as "semimonthly" or usi...

In this episode we're discussing common rhetorical devices used in writing and speech. We define several devices and offer examples to illustrate how they are used effectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Mr. and Ms. English, we dive into the tricky distinction between the verbs "make" and "do." Although they may seem similar, these verbs have specific uses in fixed expressions that often confuse English learners. We'll break down general rules to help you understand when to use each verb, explore common collocations, and share useful examples to reinforce the difference. By the...

In this episode, we're looking at the fascinating history and evolution of the apostrophe in the English language. We'll explore how its role has changed from indicating missing letters to showing possession and why its usage has been inconsistent throughout history. From Shakespeare to Benjamin Franklin, even some of the greatest writers struggled with this tiny punctuation mark. We'll also tackl...

In this episode, we explore the most common misconceptions surrounding English grammar. We'll debunk the myths about "proper" usage that are often taught in classrooms and upheld by outdated style guides. Mr. and Ms. English explain how these false rules can limit your writing, making it awkward or unnatural. Break free from restrictive norms and use English with more confidence and creativity. **...

In this episode of Ms. English, we explore the evolving landscape of language, focusing on the rise of Gen Z slang. We'll uncover the origins and spread of popular slang, examining the major influence of Black culture and platforms like TikTok. You'll also learn how geographic patterns on American Twitter reveal the role of cultural regions and African American English in driving new vocabulary. W...

In this episode of Ms. English, we're looking at the fascinating world of "false friends" in linguistics — those tricky words that look or sound similar in different languages but have completely different meanings. If you've never heard of false friends, here are some examples: English & French: Actual (English: real, current) vs. Actuel (French: current, not "real"). English & Spanish: E...

Welcome to Episode #3. Today we’re exploring the fascinating origins of common English idioms, tracing their roots back to historical events, cultural practices, and even advertisements. Each idiom is explained, with its meaning being presented alongside the story behind its creation. The articles we’re discussing demonstrate how these phrases, often taken for granted, have a rich and interesting...

Where did all those different English words come from? In this episode we're uncovering the origins of some words. First, we explore how to trace the roots of words with a guide from Harvard University Library, emphasizing key tools like the Oxford English Dictionary. Then, we turn to Babbel for a fun look at how English borrows words from languages like German, Greek, and Old Norse. Finally, Merr...

Our first episode deals with the history of the English language. In this episode we'll provide a detailed account of the evolution of the English language from its Proto-Germanic roots to its current global status. We will cover major historical periods such as Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English, highlighting key influences on the language, including the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings,...