wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] Sam from astoria April 18, 2007 - 12:56PM

  I've heard a couple of times the word "incidences", seemingly a conflation of the almost-synonyms "incidents" and "instances". Is there a name for this particular type of linguistic invention? Any other funny examples?

  thanks

  
  
• [2] Bryan Hubabrd from Bound Brook NJ April 18, 2007 - 01:14PM

  It seems that the use of "the" when it preceeds a vowel being prounonced "thu" rather than "thee" is becoming more common. To someone who was raised saying for instance - the(e) earth is round - I find it strange and a little aggravating.

  Enjoy your show Leonard, although I only catch it infrequently when driving.

  
  
• [3] Richard Sumner from Pomona, NY April 18, 2007 - 01:34PM

  The incorrect use of loose when the writer means lose. This is quite common. Is this a new 'valid ' use of loose?

  Thanks

  
  
• [4] Livia from New York April 18, 2007 - 01:50PM

  I love your show!

  I am Italian and as I struggle to learn English I see more and more italian words becoming part of this language.

  Sometime I dont' understand the american version versus the Italian one.

  For example...Mano a mano...that in italian means little by little...like mano a mano that I grow up I understand more about life...

  But I think in English is completely different.

  Could you help me out?

  Grazie!

  Livia

  
  
• [5] Jason from queens April 18, 2007 - 01:52PM

  I have often been misunderstood for pronouncing the words ninety, eighty, seventy etc.. with a T rather than a D as most people do. Should we just give in and spell these words with a D? Ninedy?

  
  
• [6] David from brooklyn April 18, 2007 - 01:55PM

  I frequently hear the term "going forward" used in place of "in the future" by politicians, business people, coworkers and students. Have you noticed this? (e.g. "We should develop a plan for how to solve this problem going forward.") Is it a new trend or did I not notice it before.

  
  
• [7] Yenoin Guibbory from Norwalk, CT 06854 April 18, 2007 - 01:55PM

  I beg you clarify the confusion around "begging the question." Is it now both circular reasoning and a subsitute for posing or implying a question, and if so, does ignorance drive such changes?

  
  
• [8] Monica from Hudon Valley, NY April 18, 2007 - 01:56PM

  I still haven't found a word to describe a romantic partner that both a gay or straight couple can use. I don't like saying "boyfriend" and don't plan to use "husband" because these words are gendered, old-fashioned and exclusive to one sector of society and don't reflect my 21st century values. "Partner" is not something that my significant other can use without it being confusing -- i.e. is he referring to a business partner, a dance partner or what not. And "significant other" is just long. Do you have any suggestions? Or is the Enlgish language impoverished when it comes to reflecting equality in love?

  Thanks!

  
  
• [9] lucas from nyc April 18, 2007 - 01:57PM

  What is the difference between "that" and "which?" Is it as simple as the use of the comma?

  Example:

  1) I bought a sweater that is too small for me.

  2) I bought a sweater, which is too small for me.