Language, especially English, has a lot of rules. We tackle how and why those rules apply to English with Copy Chief at Random House Benjamin Dreyer, who reminds us that while rules are important, we have to change our minds about some rules. We hear from a few callers, including Allyson who wants to know why the classic "i before e" rule barely applies. Plus, two of this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee "Octochamps" tell us how they made it twenty rounds without one misspelling.

You can listen to ad-free new episodes of Science Rules!, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of Stitcher Premium, go to stitcherpremium.com and use promo code ‘SCIENCE'.

This episode is sponsored by Progressive Insurance (www.progressive.com), Honeybook (www.honeybook.com code: SCIENCERULES), and MagellanTV (www.magellantv.com/sciencerules).