usage

Type: 
Topical Term
Subfield: 
x
Alias: 
usage

Who's whose?

a no-nonsense guide to easily confused words
2006
Lists in alphabetical order some of the more commonly confused English words with definitions, examples of proper and improper usage, and how to avoid typical mistakes.

Woe is I

the grammarphobe's guide to better English in plain English
2004
Provides information on how to avoid some of the most common grammar mistakes, with chapters that discuss pronouns, plurals, verbs, possessives, punctuation, cliches, and other tricky parts of the English language.

Many luscious lollipops

a book about adjectives
1992
"With simple, playful verse and bright, lifelike paintings, Ruth Heller gives young children a brief introduction to adjectives and their usage that it both clear and vastly entertaining."--School Library Journal.

How to speak Brit

the quintessential guide to the King's English, Cockney slang, and other flummoxing British phrases
" The quintessential A to Z guide to British English-perfect for every egghead and bluestocking looking to conquer the language barrier Oscar Wilde once said the Brits have "everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language." Any visitor to Old Blighty can sympathize with Mr. Wilde. After all, even fluent English speakers can be at sixes and sevens when told to pick up the "dog and bone" or "head to the loo," so they can "spend a penny." Wherever did these peculiar expressions come from? British author Christopher J. Moore made a name for himself on this side of the pond with the sleeper success of his previous book, In Other Words. Now, Moore draws on history, literature, pop culture, and his own heritage to explore the phrases that most embody the British character. He traces the linguistic influence of writers from Chaucer to Shakespeare and Dickens to Wodehouse, and unravels the complexity Brits manage to imbue in seemingly innocuous phrases like "All right." Along the way, Moore reveals the uniquely British origins of some of the English language's more curious sayings. For example: Who is Bob and how did he become your uncle? Why do we refer to powerless politicians as "lame ducks"? How did "posh" become such a stylish word?Part language guide, part cultural study, How to Speak Brit is the perfect addition to every Anglophile's library and an entertaining primer that will charm the linguistic-minded legions. "--.

May I quote you on that?

a guide to grammar and usage
2015
"A guide to English grammar and usage for the twenty-first century, pairing grammar rules with interesting and humorous quotations from American popular culture"--.

Edwin Newman on language

1980
The authors laughs with you at the errors you never knew you made, wince with you at the mistakes others make and increase your delight in the wonder of words.

A civil tongue

1976
Amusing, clever and valuable assault on all the people in American life who are transforming the English language into a barbarous jargon.

No uncertain terms

more writing from the popular On language column in the New York times magazine
2003
A collection of writings from the "New York Times" column "On Language" which provide observations on grammar, usage, and etymology.

The elephants of style

a trunkload of tips on the big issues and gray areas of contemporary American English
2004
Provides an overview of the fundamental rules of the English language, including tips for mastering some of the more confusing spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization, and conjugation rules.

A man of my words

reflections on the English language
2003
A collection of essays in which Richard Lederer shares his observations on the English language.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - usage