play backward index mystery
Words Matter

The True Story of the Backward Index

These people needed a computer


There it sits, hidden in plain view on a set of shelves in the basement of the Merriam-Webster offices: the Backward Index. But why would anyone type out 315,000 words spelled in reverse?

Up next

play backward index mystery
The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

play video ie vs eg
i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.

play fun funner funnest
Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

play video who vs whom
Who vs. Whom

 

Good news for those who feel stuffy saying 'whom.'

play video between you and i or me
I vs. Me

 

'Between you and __'? Simple guidance for a tricky pronoun.

play body parts video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

play hanger-hangar-illustrations
Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

 

How to remember which is which