The Word Guy

The Word Guy

The Word Guy

Teacher, writer, editor and language columnist Rob Kyff is an expert with words. Through his weekly columns in several publications, a multitude of published books, as well as in his classrooms, he shares his language and grammar tips and provides fun facts about the evolution of the English language.

Recently Published

...
Illicit Verbal Couplings in a 'Murphy' Bed Jul 15, 2026

Brian Garner, editor of Garner's Modern American Usage, has devised what he calls "Murphy's Law of L... Read More

...
Latin Word for Cattle Became a Cash Cow Jul 08, 2026

In ancient Rome, no one cared how many Teslas, McMansions or Rolexes you owned. Nope; wealth was mea... Read More

...
Speaking Words of Wisdom, 'Let It Be' Jul 01, 2026

Q: Is "leave him be" an acceptable substitute for "let him be"? — J. K. via email A: To some e... Read More

...
The French (and Italians) Have a Word for It Jun 24, 2026

Even if you're an eminence grise who has fashioned a piece de resistance and mastered the lingua fra... Read More