Listen to Slate’s new language show Lexicon Valley, with Bob Garfield and Mike Vuolo.

Listen to Lexicon Valley Episode No. 1: A Sin of Which None Is Guilty

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We all learned you’re not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition. But from where did this alleged rule come? And why does it encumber us with such labored sentences as the one preceding this? In the first episode of Slate’s new language program Lexicon Valley, producer Mike Vuolo and On the Media co-host Bob Garfield explore the history of the terminal preposition rule, and whether there are good reasons to follow it.

Lexicon Valley is a new audio program created by Mike Vuolo. In the coming weeks we’ll explore a broad array of issues surrounding language. They’ll range from linguistic pet peeves, syntax, and etymology to sociolinguistics, neurolinguistics, and the death of languages.

You'll find a list of all Lexicon Valley episodes at slate.com/lexiconvalley, or in the player below:

We also welcome your thoughts on what you’d like to hear. The show’s address is slatelexiconvalley@gmail.com. That’s also where you can send responses to the show’s weekly “lexiconundrum.”