Perhaps I should change the name of this blog to “Pleonasm Today,” or something similar.

I’m becoming disenchanted with NPR.

I admit, I listen to Morning Edition most days.  I guess that means that, if I listen critically, I’m bound to hear more mistakes from those folks than from things I listen to less.

Yet, I can’t help feeling that NPR should be the flagship for grammar and usage.  I hope for — I look for — erudition.  It is unfortunate that NPR comes up short so often.

During a story about Aaron Neville this morning, I heard:  “At 72, the prince of R&B has reverted back to his childhood.”

It is interesting indeed that NPR edited the written story on its website:  “At 72, the prince of R&B has reverted to childhood.”  Yet, NPR is a radio network, de facto specializing in the written word.  I wonder how many folks get information from the website.  Hence, NPR should be editing its stories before they air.  It is sad that this is often not the case.

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thefreedictionary.com tells us:

revert

vb [rɪˈvɜːt] (intr; foll by to)

1. to go back to a former practice, condition, belief, etc. she reverted to her old wicked ways

***

Usage: Since back is part of the meaning of revert, one should not say that someone reverts back to a certain type of behavior.

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That seems pretty simple.

Let us call for NPR to put itself in a position of leadership on usage issues and get out in front of the mistakes.