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?

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play backward index mystery
The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

play further vs farther video
Further vs. Farther

 

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

play video hopefully
Hopefully

 

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct

play there theyre their video
There, They're, Their

 

There, there. We'll sort it out.

play serial comma
The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

play emily-brewster-with-the-words-effect-affect-on-screen
How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)