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Grammar Girl's 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again
by
Mignon Fogarty (Goodreads Author)
Millions of people around the world communicate better thanks to Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl, whose top-rated weekly grammar podcast has been downloaded more than 30 million times. After realizing her fans were asking the same questions over and over, Mignon decided to focus her attention on those words that continuously confound the masses. In Grammar Girl's 101 Misu...more
Paperback, 128 pages
Published
July 5th 2011
by St. Martin's Griffin
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Community Reviews
(showing
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797)
I am a big grammar girl fan. This book is lighthearted and not dull.
This book, like all of Grammar Girl's prior books (and podcasts), is well written with easy-to-understand examples. Like most people, there are words and word pairs that confuse and befuddle me. Grammar Girl clears up a lot of the uncertainty around these words, and provides background information on word orgins in an interesting and fun manner. I now know that when I shuffle cards, I'm actually riffling, and after reading this book, I finally understand why my wife was mad at me when I brought...more
This book made me realize there is a lot I think I know but actually do not know. I regularly misuse many of the words featured in this book. Reign verses rein, explicit verses implicit, farther verses further, infer verses imply, fewer verses less - Each set of words in this book is explained and has an example on how to properly use the word. Many have a quote from a popular TV show, movie, book or famous person such as Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind saying:
No, I don't think I will kiss you...more
No, I don't think I will kiss you...more
I thought this was an informative book that would be a great help to writers when they are faced with choosing the correct word for the meaning they're intending and there are different words to choose from that may be confusing to choose from. That sounds crazy, but I hope you can understand what I mean. The words she chose to discuss and explain are listed alphabetically which makes it easy to look up the word you may need to check out to make sure you're using it correctly. She shares this in...more
This review first appeared on my blog:
http://www.knittingandsundries.com/20...
ANOTHER wonderful and handy tip book! I run into these mistakes (and likely commit them myself sometimes) quite often. For some of us, seeing these types of mistake in print (whether on a blog, in a book, or in correspondence) makes our eyes glaze over and takes away from the story or the message that is being imparted.
Look at the example below and you'll see why this book belongs on your shelf!
EXAMPLE:
Especially vs. S...more
http://www.knittingandsundries.com/20...
ANOTHER wonderful and handy tip book! I run into these mistakes (and likely commit them myself sometimes) quite often. For some of us, seeing these types of mistake in print (whether on a blog, in a book, or in correspondence) makes our eyes glaze over and takes away from the story or the message that is being imparted.
Look at the example below and you'll see why this book belongs on your shelf!
EXAMPLE:
Especially vs. S...more
Disclaimer first: I was moved to pre-order the book because Mignon was offering an incentive -- a personalized video -- for those who did so. I received that gift, but I paid the regular Amazon price for the book, and I made no agreement to review the book. It's a good thing I didn't because I've taken so long to finish that a review is now probably so late it's not very useful. But go out and get this book, for yourself or for that friend whose not-quite-right word choices are driving you aroun...more
This is a really good book on grammar. It's full of information and is easy to understand. Therefore, everyone should read this. It even taught me a few things, and I'd considered myself to be well-versed in regards to grammar. Grammar snobs will occasionally be shocked as they thumb through this book. I didn't know that people had such a hard time with such no-brainers as "guerrilla" vs "gorilla" and *gasp* "peak" vs "peek" vs "pique"! I'm embarrassed for anyone who learned something new whilst...more
I am not fond of people who correct others' grammars as if they are the best language users in the whole world. Reading this book allows me to stop being corrected all the time. I may even correct others.
This is the best grammar book for English students because our own grammar books suck. The quick and dirty tips really help in remembering words. I really love how in the first page of the book there is this: For the confused.
This is the best grammar book for English students because our own grammar books suck. The quick and dirty tips really help in remembering words. I really love how in the first page of the book there is this: For the confused.
This book is proof that learning about proper word usage and grammar doesn't have to be boring or dull. Mrs. Fogarty accurately and concisely defines each word in a commonly misused pair, explains when to use each one, and often provides additional mnemonics for keeping the choice straight.
I just discovered Mignon Fogarty aka Grammar Girl and her little books should be a staple in everyone's home. All of those words that we never remember which one is correct, this little book takes out the mystery. Grey or gray? Either one is correct - who knew?
There were a few other words I would have added, but these seem common. How can you confuse Heroine and Heroin? Reign and rein I always have trouble with, and the rule presented there helps me to remember which to use (usually rein). Still have trouble with the affect/effect thing.
A fun little reminder book. Most enjoyable were the 'quotes' used from modern day television to old quotes that exemplify the grammatical points. And the Quick and Dirty Tips...to help you remember when to use which word.
On one hand, I was terribly impressed with myself for using so many of these correctly. I was quickly put in my place when I realized how many I didn't think I'd ever remember again.
I learned that segue "a smooth transition" is not spelled segway unless it is the two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle. And it is disappointing to learn that "snuck" will eventually be acceptable by all. Really? Sorry, Mr. Hess (my beloved 7th grade English teacher and grammar stickler extraordinaire).
The title says it all. If you need some help remembering how to use these words it is useful. I did learn some, but my big problem usually is spelling. So I wasn't totally interested.
This is one of the best book through which we can get to much help to know the correct usage of words
Pretty much the most helpful little writing reference book on the planet. No more word confusion!
I can not tell you all the ways I love this book! I use it daily in my classroom!
I only wish there was more than 101 words! these books are so helpful, creative, and quirky!
Competent, with memorable examples as illustrations.
I am familiar with many of the word couples that the author reviews but about 1 out of 5 are ones I have always wondered about (like when to use "I" versus "my." It's also "deep-seated" not "deep-seeded." Who would have thought?) I also enjoyed her succinct tirade on why "irregardless" is a travesty.
most people i know should own this book.
I love this book! It's a great gift for any writer, student or lover of language.
I finally purchased this book after hearing about it on the grammar girl podcast on stitcher radio. For the most part I thought it was entertaining and concise. The examples are well thought out with quotes from well-known poets, authors, and TV show characters; and also with examples on past usage and how they are used presently. I would recommend this book to anyone.
It was good, don't be fooled by the 2 star rating, it was okay. Useful and a nice reference. Just not anything that blew me away.
Nov 10, 2011
Tim
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
english-grammar
Much better than the "High School" 101 words book. I did like reading some of the history of the words and I even learned a few things over and above those tidbits. This is one book I think most people should read to improve their grammar.
I knew most of the comparisons, but there were a few that were nice to have clarified. I made a list to keep with me at grad school.
Trouble remembering when to use lay or lie, affective or effective, loose or lose...This is a great easy-to-read reference book.
A short lesson in words I should know how to use if I have a high school education. Good review to sound more educated
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Sep 07, 2011 08:49am