X is everywhere and it’s probably thanks to math. But why is x the symbol for the unknown?

Spelling reformers have been advocating for changes to make English spelling more intuitive and less irregular. One example of its messiness: take the “g-h” sound from “enough,” the “o” sound from “women” and the “t-i” sound from...

An exploration for writing a Wordle solver, with the challenge of not using the official list of Wordle answers (except as a test set), which is really just an excuse for an information theory lesson.

One could argue that slang words like ‘hangry,’ ‘defriend’ and ‘adorkable’ fill crucial meaning gaps in the English language, even if they don't appear in the dictionary. After all, who actually decides which words make it into those...

If you've watched the news or followed politics, chances are you've heard the term Orwellian thrown around in one context or another. But have you ever stopped to think about what it really means, or why it's used so often? Noah Tavlin...

Is the beloved paper dictionary doomed to extinction? In this infectiously exuberant talk, leading lexicographer Erin McKean looks at the many ways today's print dictionary is poised for transformation.

John Koenig loves finding words that express our unarticulated feelings -- like "lachesism," the hunger for disaster, and "sonder," the realization that everyone else's lives are as complex and unknowable as our own. Here, he meditates...

Nandan Nilekani, the visionary co-founder of outsourcing pioneer Infosys, explains four brands of ideas that will determine whether India can continue its recent breakneck progress.

Today, Carrie Anne is going to start our overview of the fundamental building blocks of programming languages. We’ll start by creating small programs for our very own video game to show how statements and functions work. We aren’t going...

English is fast becoming the world's universal language, and instant translation technology is improving every year. So why bother learning a foreign language? Linguist and Columbia professor John McWhorter shares four alluring benefits...

While the concept of a dictionary dates back to ancient civilizations, the first English dictionary wasn't published until 1604. In the centuries that followed, many more dictionaries were written by individual authors who chose what to...

New ReviewIn this video, the speaker discusses ten untranslatable German words that English should steal. From "yine" (a mix between yes and no) to "Fernweh" (a longing for faraway lands), these words capture unique concepts that English lacks....

New ReviewIn this video, the speaker explores the fascinating world of "ghost words" - words that made it into dictionaries but were never actually used. They discuss the origins and stories behind these ghost words, from Samuel Johnson's mistaken...

In this lesson, you will learn the four basic types of sentences in English: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. We explain each type with easy examples to help you understand how they are used in everyday...

Learn how to use direct and indirect speech in English!

In this lesson, you’ll discover the difference between direct and indirect speech, practice converting statements, questions, and commands, and understand the rules for...

In this insightful video lesson, we delve into the intricacies of crafting balanced sentences to elevate your writing to new heights. Join us as we explore the art of equilibrium in composition, revealing the secrets to achieving a...

This comprehensive video lesson is designed to elevate your writing skills by focusing on the crucial aspect of modifiers. In this engaging session, we will delve deep into the world of modifiers, exploring strategies and techniques to...

In this insightful video lesson, we delve into the art of constructing consistent and engaging sentences that captivate readers from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned writer looking to refine your skills or a budding wordsmith...

Unlock the secrets of parallelism and elevate your writing to new heights! In this must-watch video, we delve deep into the art of parallel structure, offering invaluable tips and tricks to enhance your written communication's clarity,...

Unlock the power of clear communication with our latest video lesson, "Editing for Clarity." In this comprehensive tutorial, we delve into the art of editing sentences to enhance precision and ensure your message is conveyed with...

Unlock the secrets to elevated writing with our latest video on Coordination and Subordination! 🚀 Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, understanding how to effectively use coordination and subordination can transform your...

This comprehensive video lesson delves into identifying and eliminating wordiness in your writing. Whether you're a seasoned writer looking to polish your craft or a student striving for clarity in your assignments, this...

Dive into the art of crafting succinct prose in this practical video lesson focused on eliminating wordiness from your writing. Learn how to trim the fat, leaving only the most powerful and precise words to convey your message. This...

Unlock the secrets to dynamic and engaging writing with our comprehensive video on sentence variety! This lesson will cover:

Varying Sentence Openings: Learn how to avoid monotony and captivate readers from the very first...