ELEVATORS AND EARS*

NPR Weekend Edition Sunday Puzzle
June 24, 2007
Will Shortz

The same two letters, in the same, consecutive order, can change each word below into a new one. The two letters may precede, follow, or be inserted anywhere in the clue words, but they remain in consecutive order. What are the two letters, and what are the new words?

*Once you solve the puzzle, can you explain the title?

1. POLE
2. WHEN
3. FINE
4. BRAIN
5. GRAVY
6. AGATE
7. SUBTLE
8. CELERY

Answers:

The two letters are IT:

1. POLITE
2. WHITEN
3. FINITE
4. BRITAIN
5. GRAVITY
6. AGITATE
7. SUBTITLE
8. CELERITY 

*OTIS - OTITIS 
(Inventor of the elevator - inflammation of the inner ear)