David Andersen explores how to compactly represent English grammar rules for article usage (a vs. an) using succinct data structures. Starting from a 1252-byte program and progressing through compression techniques, he demonstrates how a trie-based representation reduces the data to 200 bytes, then discusses information-theoretic approaches like LOUDS encoding for optimal compression.
A developer created a proofreading skill for Claude Code and accompanying Obsidian plugin to identify English writing errors including typos, vocabulary issues, and clutter. The workflow involves running the Claude skill on files to generate findings in JSON format, which the Obsidian plugin then highlights in-place for editing or dismissal.
World Wide Words is a 30-year-old website documenting English language evolution through articles on new words, etymologies, and linguistic oddities, with over 3,000 archived pieces and no advertisements.
English lacks a reliable written representation for the schwa sound (/ə/), the most neutral vowel. All five English vowels can represent schwa in different words, making it impossible to accurately write foreign names containing schwa, particularly those from Indian, Sri Lankan, and Japanese origins, though various cultures have developed imperfect workarounds.
English uses the indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' based on the sound (not spelling) of the following word's first phoneme. The author analyzed 32,455 words and found that only 129 required exceptions to the vowel-sound rule, such as 'an hour' and 'a unicorn'.
An analysis of the English indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' reveals that the correct choice depends on spoken sound rather than written letter. Of 32,455 words examined, only 129 required exceptions to the vowel-sound rule, such as 'unicorn' (consonant sound despite vowel letter) and 'hour' (vowel sound despite consonant letter).
Schadenfreude is the pleasure or satisfaction derived from others' misfortunes, troubles, or humiliation. The German loanword entered English texts in the 1852–1895 period and has equivalents across many languages. Research identifies three driving forces—aggression, rivalry, and justice—and shows that individuals with lower self-esteem experience schadenfreude more intensely.
An exploration of common English idioms using 'walk', including their meanings and origins. The article examines phrases like 'walk back' (change your mind), 'walk on eggshells' (avoid offense), 'walk away' (disengage), 'walk a mile in someone's shoes' (empathize), 'walk in the park' (easy task), and 'walk tall' (take pride), noting that most have uncertain or debated etymologies dating from the 16th to 20th centuries.