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Spelling Matters

Think spelling’s not important? Think again! This week, Martha and Grant relate the strange tale of the $40,000 typo. They also talk about what it’s like to be “borked,” and advise a third-grade

Spelling Matters


Originally aired February 17, 2007

Think spelling’s not important? Wait until you hear the story of the spelling boo-boo that cost one Michigan county $40,000.

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Then Martha and Grant rant about computer spellcheckers, discuss how things get “borked,” and advise a third-grade teacher who’s determined to teach students six-syllable words. They also reveal the origin of such phrases as “since Hector was a pup” and “know by heart.”

Puzzle guy Eric Berman welcomes Grant to the show with a quiz designed especially for him.
Support for A Way With Words comes from Thinkmap, maker of the Visual Thesaurus, an interactive dictionary and thesaurus. The Visual Thesaurus brings language to life. Learn more at VisualThesaurus.com.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.