I listen to NPR almost every day.  Perhaps that explains why I hear so many mistakes in grammar and usage on Morning Edition and All Things Considered — it’s just a question of volume and probability.  Yet, for some reason, I have this notion that these shows should provide a respite from the obvious mistakes that occur so often on talk radio, local TV “news” reporting, and, worst of all, radio commercials.

(While I guess NPR can’t control what guests are going to say, the host and reporters make more than their share of mistakes in terms of brutalizing the language.)

With that disappointment in mind, I provide what I heard last night on ATC.

One of the hosts was having a discussion about a new book concerning Twitter.  The guest was the author of the book, who, in addition to writing the book, is also a “columnist and reporter for The New York Times.”  (I sheepishly admit that I have high grammar/usage expectations for that paper.)

Here’s what the guy said:

The company (that preceded Twitter) is actually built on friendships. Everything in this story is based on friendships. Both being created and torn apart. One of the greatest friendships is between (two persons who were involved in the founding). They really kind of bonded together over their love of music.

“Bonded together”?  What other type of bonding goes on?  Apart?  Separately?  “They really kind of bonded over . . .” wouldn’t have done the trick?

Again I say, at least he didn’t claim that “they both shared a common bond.”

Since it’s radio, I can’t be sure, but I hope the host winced a little bit when he said that.