The Gregg Reference Manual

by William A. Sabin

Intended for anyone who writes, transcribes, or types

Genres: Reference, Writing, Nonfiction, Business, Language, Education, Textbooks

326 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1951

Reviews

[Rivvy Neshama]

As a writer and as an editor, I claim this as my go-to book. It's so perfect, so accessible and easy to use, that I think of it as my friend: good old Gregg! With a wonderful index and an almost conversational style, Sabin presents us with nearly all the information we need to know about the English language. I bow to his knowledge and offer my thanks!

[Joni Fisher]

Call me a geek, wonk or whatever, but yes, I read reference books sometimes. Author William A. Sabin presents the trickiest of grammar, usage, formatting, punctuation and style issues in a clear, readable way. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to sharpen proofreading skills.

[Kourtney]

The Gregg Reference Manual is an essential tool for anyone who wants to write effectively and correctly. This comprehensive manual covers grammar, usage, style, and formatting, providing readers with a clear and concise guide to writing well.

The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, with chapters devoted to topics such as punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and word usage. It also includes sections on writing style, such as how to write effective paragraphs, sentences, and headings.

One of the strengths of the manual is its focus on real-world writing situations. The author includes numerous examples and exercises that demonstrate how to apply the rules of grammar and style in practical ways. The book also provides guidance on formatting documents, such as letters, memos, and reports.

Overall, The Gregg Reference Manual is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or simply someone who wants to write more effectively, this book is an invaluable guide. The tribute edition of the manual includes updated information and is a must-have for anyone who wants to stay current with the latest standards of writing and formatting.

[Larry Cooper]

The best thing I ever did when I transitioned from clinical work to writing and editing was to sit down and read The Gregg Reference Manual from cover to cover. Not only did it knock out all the nonsense about writing "rules" that I learned in grade school, it gave me the language foundation I needed to develop a proficiency in professional styles such as AMA, APA, Chicago, MLA, AP and others. I truly believe that anyone who hopes to demonstrate a basic mastery of the language in his or her professional writing should devote at least a weekend of their career to reading this great reference book.

[Briana]

I actually think I *did* read all of this...imagine that. I thought it was fun. Really. Grammar is cool.

I really liked the list in the back with all the words that people habitually mispronounce. It was very...convicting. (Although I don't know if I agreed with it in entirety...)

Spent way too much money on this book...but every ninth grader needs to become grounded in the mechanics of language.

[Jane]

The Gregg Reference Manual is not exactly a book to be read from cover-to-cover but a wonderful reference for finding correct grammar and punctuation for American English. I have used it as a reference for writing college papers, editing student's papers and in my attempts to write fiction. It gives the rule, examples and shows how to use words in sentences to make the meaning of the rule clear. I find it a good reference for the literary work that I do as a teacher and editor.

[Julie]

Irritating in its detail. Is "therefore" essential or nonessential to a sentence? Does your voice rise or fall when you say it in a sentence? Sheesh! Just put commas around it and be done with it. I have to use this when teaching composition, but it irritates me.

The usage section is helpful, however, with showing differences between words like apprise and appraise, etc.

[Tessa]

I had to read this for a grammar class I took. It is very tedious to read from page to page like a regular book, (like I often had to do) but it is very informational. If you're looking for a grammar book that talks about everything except diagramming and parts of speech, this is your book. That is, as long as you can stay awake.

[Laurie]

Have used this book in the past and have found it very useful, with excellent examples of conventions of writing mechanics. More thorough than Strunk and White. It is not inexpensive and it does get updated every year or two, so it helps if you can get it from a library when you need it.

[Christy]

Unavoidable in college, useful afterward. Hard to "read," but it's a REFERENCE manual. It's not meant to be "read." Therefore, I don't understand it being "assigned reading," even as a former college instructor.

[Starlately]

I mean, it’s a style guide. I prefer CMOS, especially sums this has not been updated since 2011 when the author passed. Some of the guidelines have become outdated.

I do enjoy spiral bound books though. That comes in handy when using reference books.

[Efrain Guzman-Rosario]

A must have for anyone wanting to communicate effectively, in writing or in speech.

[Nicole]

Really the best all-in-one grammar and style book out there.

[Laura]

So I like reading about proper punctuation. You can point out that this makes me a nerd, but that isn't exactly news.

[Theresa]

A good business grammar book with a modern slant.

[Adrienna]

This book is really beneficial for editors, essay writers, and writers in general.

Ordered my copy from the Book Junkie. Review for leisure and editing/writing.

[Benni]

My second go-to book when I was a tech editor. The first was Words Into Type.

[Carmen]

Being a secretary, this is a great book to have around - just in case :)

[Nick]

Excellent grammar reference. I have a lot of work to do.

[Jack Hansen]

One needs a reliable reference book when attempting to provide the best editing or written project. The Gregg Reference Manual is easy to use. I own the Sixth Edition, copyrighted in 1985.

[AnnaRose]

A very helpful book for any technical or business writer, I would keep this book around whenever I am editing or writing an important article.

[Renee Rothberg]

I have used a number of grammar style guides through the years, and this guide is the one I prefer.

[Carolyn Page]

My high school reference for grammar and research paper writing. I'd highly recommend.

[Jk Vetter]

Worst class ever. The most boring and confusing textbook ever. If I could give it a zero I would!

[Jane]

One of the handiest books I ever bought!