The source of the book’s vitality is its language—supple and colloquial, yet framed in the syntax of surprise. The syncopated speech patterns constantly shift away from familiar formulations.

Here’s my 2023 language book gift guide for every type of word nerd. For the rule follower: Most people, even grammar-savvy types, don’t know about usage guides.

Language rules for combining words to generate novel meanings - known as syntax - can no longer be thought of as uniquely human.

Listen here to Professor David Adger on a podcast interview on his MIT Press book 'A Syntax of Substance' in the New Books on Language series. In this interview 'we talk about the differences between ...

The study of language semantics and syntax explores the intricate relationship between meaning and grammatical structure. Contemporary research has increasingly focused on how semantic content is ...