Webster's English Usage Guide

by Anonymous

Each article in this useful volume describes a common problem in grammar or usage encountered frequently by speakers and writers of English. Clearly written explanations with abundant examples of correct usage make this a valuable reference for all who need to express themselves effectively in writing.

Genres: Reference, Writing, Language, Nonfiction, Dictionaries, Linguistics

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1994

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone who does a lot of writing. It has excellent, well-researched advice on the proper usage of a number of English words and phrases. It is very "descriptivist" -- that is, rather than simply deferring to an expert's opinion, the researchers actually search through numerous archives of English literature, journalism, etc, as well as other usage guides to formulate their recommendations.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall the best (most thorough) usage guide available. MWDEU is not so much a quick reference but rather a guide for self-study and settling those seemingly intractable issues of English usage.

[Rick Bavera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated with and by words.

Because of that, I found this book to be a useful dictionary, covering words from a/an and abbreviations to zoom, and the "problems" or differences that may arise in usage for those whose job is working with words.

There is also a short ("brief" in the words of the dictionary) history of the English language, a pronunciation guide, and a bibliography of source materials for the advice given in the body of the dictionary.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the best usage guide ever, but it is a good one. Many an argument was settled with this book. Frankly, anyone who fancies himself a wordsmith better know what's included here. All basic and straightforward but necessary nonetheless.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This usage dictionary is vital for any writer, editor or English lover in general. It has great histories and explanations of many common dilemmas and usage questions we face.
See the entries for who/whom and farther/further.

[Warwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sine qua non of English usage reference. There is an exemplary reliance on evidence (with plenty of supporting quotations), rather than the usual intellectually trivial acceptance of received rules.

[R.S. Kellogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally read this book for fun and education. I keep it on hand for a reference.

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you aren't familiar with this book (which, BTW, is quite droll), there's a very high probability that you are the under the sway of some very priggish ideas about English usage. Free yer mind.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could I not love a book that answers my most burning usage questions and also helps me win arguments? (I usually have to just make-believe an opponent for these arguments because all the real people are afraid to fight with me about this stuff, but it still gives me a great sense of triumph when I win--which I ALWAYS do!)

[Kate McClare · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indispensable arbiter of proper English, filled with revealing insights on how our language came to its present state.

[Nick Sklias · Rating 5 out of 5]

sum werdz