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The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation 10th (tenth) edition Text Only
Over 25,000 copies of this indispensable and entertaining guide have been sold to writers, proofreaders, editors, managers, clerical staff, teachers, and students. The book contains no jargon and was written for all of us who need simple answers to our grammar and punctuation questions. If you wish to practice what you have learned, you may try the exercises. The answers are provided in the back of the book. So you can use this as a reference book AND a workbook.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
677 people are currently reading
1583 people want to read
About the author
Jane Straus
8 books17 followersRelationship expert, author, radio host, and media guest, Jane Straus gives individuals, couples, and organizations the tools to thrive and experience the extraordinary in life. Visit JaneStraus.com to view her clips from TV shows; peruse her articles in USA Today, CNN.com, Woman's World Magazine, and other print publications; and read her newsletters and excerpts from her popular self-help book, Enough Is Enough! Stop Enduring and Start Living Your Extraordinary Life.
Jane is also the author of the bestselling The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation and founder of GrammarBook.com, one of the most popular Web sites for English usage on the Internet. Jane provides easy-to-understand rules, real-world explanations, and fun quizzes FREE.
Jane is also the author of the bestselling The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation and founder of GrammarBook.com, one of the most popular Web sites for English usage on the Internet. Jane provides easy-to-understand rules, real-world explanations, and fun quizzes FREE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 23, 2012
If you are looking for a quick reference book to help you with spelling, grammar, punctuation, and more, you might want to look into Jan Straus’ The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation.
I can always learn more when it comes to writing especially after being out of school for a few decades. I need a refresher on the do’s and don’ts of grammar. I think I found a good source in Straus’ Blue Book.
She discusses nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, punctuation, numbers, and basic grammar rules such as capitalization. These are not written in a boring manner. In fact, these are formatted on the pages in an easy to read manner and attractive to the eye.
What really makes this a great book to use as a reference? It is laid out easy, written in an easy to read way, and has quizzes in the back to help you test your knowledge. This means it is not just great for writers, but for students, GED students, homeschooling students, and the office. You can’t go wrong with this book.
The only thing you have to beware is that this book is not the complete book to have. If you are needing to write in a certain style (for example, Chicago Manual of Style), you need to get that book as a reference as the rules in the Blue Book might not agree with other styles. This is a book for basic writing only. There are exceptions to rules depending on what you are writing for. Be aware of that.
Some reviewers have commented on errors in the book. I agree with some of them though the edition I have does not have all of them. Some of the ‘mistakes’ are actually disagreements among the educational institutes as to what is acceptable in regard to grammar. Believe it or not, there are many instances in grammar where educators and writers do not agree. This book does not differentiate between those, so some of the ‘rules’ I would say are incorrect but they follow the line of thinking that many grammar camps agree with.
Despite what you might think, all grammar rules are not written in blood. If you get this book, get others. You should always have many reference books on hand and use them all. In the end, you need to write what your boss or teacher wants.
Note: This book was purchased by me with my own funds.
I can always learn more when it comes to writing especially after being out of school for a few decades. I need a refresher on the do’s and don’ts of grammar. I think I found a good source in Straus’ Blue Book.
She discusses nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, punctuation, numbers, and basic grammar rules such as capitalization. These are not written in a boring manner. In fact, these are formatted on the pages in an easy to read manner and attractive to the eye.
What really makes this a great book to use as a reference? It is laid out easy, written in an easy to read way, and has quizzes in the back to help you test your knowledge. This means it is not just great for writers, but for students, GED students, homeschooling students, and the office. You can’t go wrong with this book.
The only thing you have to beware is that this book is not the complete book to have. If you are needing to write in a certain style (for example, Chicago Manual of Style), you need to get that book as a reference as the rules in the Blue Book might not agree with other styles. This is a book for basic writing only. There are exceptions to rules depending on what you are writing for. Be aware of that.
Some reviewers have commented on errors in the book. I agree with some of them though the edition I have does not have all of them. Some of the ‘mistakes’ are actually disagreements among the educational institutes as to what is acceptable in regard to grammar. Believe it or not, there are many instances in grammar where educators and writers do not agree. This book does not differentiate between those, so some of the ‘rules’ I would say are incorrect but they follow the line of thinking that many grammar camps agree with.
Despite what you might think, all grammar rules are not written in blood. If you get this book, get others. You should always have many reference books on hand and use them all. In the end, you need to write what your boss or teacher wants.
Note: This book was purchased by me with my own funds.
August 31, 2019
Read this little one, you'll need it.
August 4, 2016
The Blue Book is like an expanded version of The Elements of Style. It is very well organized and crystal clear. The final chapter has quizzes that cover everything. The Blue Book website has interactive multiple choice tests, which I strongly recommend. The book is available for free as a pdf(just goggle "The Blue Book pdf"), but a reference book this good is worth getting in paper form.
October 28, 2023
3/5 Stars 🌟
The Blue Book was okay. What it says on the cover is a promise that is fulfilled inside. It's full of grammar and punctuation, it's easy to use, and it also has quizzes complete with their answers. There is also some information in the introduction that gives references for more quizzes on their site and downloadable content, videos, recommendation for further studying, articles, and more.
What it is NOT, is one of those books on grammar and punctuation that goes off into prose to explain each term or entry in detail. It is straightforward: word and then definition. Just like that. For that reason, I strongly recommend this book as a reference book rather than one that will teach you about grammar and punctuation. Especially if you don't have a basic understanding of grammatical terminology. Learn grammar and then use this book to cement what you've learnt and keep coming back if you need reference.
I missed the prose-y explanation of things 🥲 I have read other grammar books and rolled my eyes over their explanations, but The Blue Book made me appreciate the others. The short and unfriendly explanations detached me from the love of learning and my love for the English language 😭 I had wished for more of the authors' passion to show through the writing style (even if it is grammar, who says you can't show that you love it?); this book is a handshake, not a hug 💔
Ehem.
That's enough on feelings 🤐
Inside you will find clear rules on grammar, punctuation, capitalisation, writing numbers, and confusing words and homonyms. All sections are simply lists of rules for each term with examples and explanations.
The only section that I feel could use some improvement is the confusing words and homonyns section. There were many entries that lacked explanations and pretty much just had a taunting joke or the author's opinion instead. It wasn't very helpful in those cases.
For example:
"KINDERGARTNER
Note how the spelling differs from Kindergarten."
This is an entry that is supposed to help me understand how to better use this word or how not to use it incorrectly, yet what can I get from this explanation? 😭
Otherwise, it's an okay book.
I'll just make a quick note to say: I have not done any of the quizzes or read them. This is my 1st read through and I wanted to understand what was inside and get a feel of The Blue Book.
The Blue Book was okay. What it says on the cover is a promise that is fulfilled inside. It's full of grammar and punctuation, it's easy to use, and it also has quizzes complete with their answers. There is also some information in the introduction that gives references for more quizzes on their site and downloadable content, videos, recommendation for further studying, articles, and more.
What it is NOT, is one of those books on grammar and punctuation that goes off into prose to explain each term or entry in detail. It is straightforward: word and then definition. Just like that. For that reason, I strongly recommend this book as a reference book rather than one that will teach you about grammar and punctuation. Especially if you don't have a basic understanding of grammatical terminology. Learn grammar and then use this book to cement what you've learnt and keep coming back if you need reference.
I missed the prose-y explanation of things 🥲 I have read other grammar books and rolled my eyes over their explanations, but The Blue Book made me appreciate the others. The short and unfriendly explanations detached me from the love of learning and my love for the English language 😭 I had wished for more of the authors' passion to show through the writing style (even if it is grammar, who says you can't show that you love it?); this book is a handshake, not a hug 💔
Ehem.
That's enough on feelings 🤐
Inside you will find clear rules on grammar, punctuation, capitalisation, writing numbers, and confusing words and homonyms. All sections are simply lists of rules for each term with examples and explanations.
The only section that I feel could use some improvement is the confusing words and homonyns section. There were many entries that lacked explanations and pretty much just had a taunting joke or the author's opinion instead. It wasn't very helpful in those cases.
For example:
"KINDERGARTNER
Note how the spelling differs from Kindergarten."
This is an entry that is supposed to help me understand how to better use this word or how not to use it incorrectly, yet what can I get from this explanation? 😭
Otherwise, it's an okay book.
I'll just make a quick note to say: I have not done any of the quizzes or read them. This is my 1st read through and I wanted to understand what was inside and get a feel of The Blue Book.
March 11, 2014
This book was very pragmatic but its lack of detail and theory really made it a bit of a disappointment.
May 12, 2020
Quarantine has driven me to the point of reading English style guides for fun... Luckily, Jane Straus approaches her style interpretation with a bit of humor. Also, while the plot of this book is not the most compelling, it is quite well-written 😉
I have learned so much. Watch me go: Yesterday, I lay on the bed, and I have often lain on the bed before, but I hardly ever have laid my blankets out beforehand.
Muahahaha
I have learned so much. Watch me go: Yesterday, I lay on the bed, and I have often lain on the bed before, but I hardly ever have laid my blankets out beforehand.
Muahahaha
July 12, 2013
This book has all the grammar and punctuation rules in an organized format so it's easy to refer to. I read it cover to cover, but I'm sure I'll be looking back at it several times.
February 13, 2021
This book is easy to use for everyone, including English majors. It's great for refreshing your grammar and punctuation - the quizzes are doable and challenging. Straus will teach you how to write clearly and be more direct in your writing, so students can avoid misunderstandings when communicating on paper.
March 28, 2018
The eleventh edition of The Blue Book really gets down and dirty with Grammar Girl type bullets. While not focusing on the proofreading art, it throws almost every grammar/punctuation rule there is at you. (50% of the book is devoted to learning!) Additionally, it provides "quizzes" and answers to lock down comprehension.
For me, this $10 USD guide was the type of book I'd really been looking for when I heard about King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Not that that wasn't an excellent book, I just like my rules handy and fast instead of having to search through highlights/notes in a voluminous book.
For me, this $10 USD guide was the type of book I'd really been looking for when I heard about King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Not that that wasn't an excellent book, I just like my rules handy and fast instead of having to search through highlights/notes in a voluminous book.
September 7, 2020
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is a great book for anyone wanting to learn grammar, punctuation, and effective writing. It’s well-written, clear, concise, and full of good advice and useful information. The quizzes are all very helpful to test yourself, too. It’s also quite humorous sometimes!
April 22, 2011
It's okay. Nothing new.
February 6, 2015
Explains every corner of English grammar. Fantastic. Think you know everything about grammar and punctuation? Read this book and you'll find many things you didn't know.
October 4, 2017
Do yourself a favor and just buy the corresponding book to the style you’ll use, whether that be Chicago rules, Oxford rules, etc.
This book has a lot of outdated (and plain wrong) information, although it depends on your sources.
I was interested in the workbook aspect of it as a way to physically see how I’m grasping the concepts I’m studying in the CMoS 16 and 17th editions. This thing is scattered between at least four or five grammarians.
Just don’t. The best I can say is it at least clearly defined terminology, though not at all displayed how they are used with any sort of repetition (Do this sometimes; or do this if you feel like it.).
This book has a lot of outdated (and plain wrong) information, although it depends on your sources.
I was interested in the workbook aspect of it as a way to physically see how I’m grasping the concepts I’m studying in the CMoS 16 and 17th editions. This thing is scattered between at least four or five grammarians.
Just don’t. The best I can say is it at least clearly defined terminology, though not at all displayed how they are used with any sort of repetition (Do this sometimes; or do this if you feel like it.).
July 5, 2017
Excellent book full of helpful information in an easy to understand format. This book will be a permanent part of my writer's library. Basic information that we all learn in school but often forget, or easily get confused when faced with grammer challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
October 29, 2020
great resource for English grammar, everything is explained in an easy way with fun exercises. highly recommended for those who wants to build on their English grammar skills or just who wants to revise the grammar.
February 18, 2021
I was assigned to read this for my editing class. It is easier to use than the infamous Stunk & White's, The Elements of Style. It's a great grammar book, and serves its purpose.
Honestly, I recommend it to anyone that has taken up writing.
Happy Reading,
www.w-alexander.com
Honestly, I recommend it to anyone that has taken up writing.
Happy Reading,
www.w-alexander.com
August 2, 2021
Nothing new or particularly interesting in the grammar part. Also, there is quite a lot of outdated information in terms of vocabulary usage, but I really enjoyed the chapters about punctuation and capitalization. Would be quite useful for ESL students.
March 6, 2018
Excellent
Will not disappoint
Will not disappoint
December 19, 2018
Perfect for my needs
November 7, 2019
A straightforward guide that I will continue to use. Thank you, Jane Straus, Lester Kaufman, and Tom Stern.
March 24, 2020
Good for the basics. Once familiar with the foundation, the rest can be learned online.
March 26, 2020
A good book for people who needs a refresher course
English was not my favorite subject in school, but I wish that I had this book to help me out learning.
English was not my favorite subject in school, but I wish that I had this book to help me out learning.
December 23, 2021
It had useful parts, but is also pretty outdated. I wouldn't recommend it to non-native speakers, or anyone who doesn't have the experience to know what should be ignored.
December 9, 2022
Another invaluable book...
December 10, 2024
Grammar books tend to become dry and boring, unfortunately. This one does better than most, but it still isn't trying to hold the attention of the average person.
April 23, 2025
great review for grammar and punctuation
March 22, 2023
This is organized so well! It's super easy to find answers to all your grammar and punctuation questions. Also, if you're in the mood for some serious fun, don't miss the quizzes at the end!
February 3, 2019
Great refresher for someone who wants to improve their writing skills. It also helps to go through this if you have kids in elementary and middle school!
March 15, 2013
Title: Straus, J., & Fogarty, M. (2008). The blue book of grammar and punctuation: An easy-to-use guide with clear rules, real-world examples, and reproducible quizzes. San Fransico, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Reviewer: Jessica L. Cooper
Type: Professional Reference
Call Number: 428.2
Brief Description: A guide to teaching grammar and punctuation. Contains clear rules, examples, and quizzes that language teachers can use in their classrooms.
Cost: $14.20
Format: Print.
Reviewer: Jessica L. Cooper
Type: Professional Reference
Call Number: 428.2
Brief Description: A guide to teaching grammar and punctuation. Contains clear rules, examples, and quizzes that language teachers can use in their classrooms.
Cost: $14.20
Format: Print.
February 1, 2017
I know this is going to sound like an infomercial, but...
Before using this book, I used struggle with my English courses: I didn't know the difference between a dependent or independent clause. I used to have tons of comma splices--and on occasion, a few run-on sentences. However, this is no longer the case...for the most part...haha.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
Before using this book, I used struggle with my English courses: I didn't know the difference between a dependent or independent clause. I used to have tons of comma splices--and on occasion, a few run-on sentences. However, this is no longer the case...for the most part...haha.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews