How to Sound Clever: Master the 600 English Words You Pretend to Understand When You Don't

by Hubert van den Bergh

This book contains a collection of 600 words compiled by the author as words you hear all the time, read in newspapers and THINK you understand from the context, but you've probably never taken the time to look them up and learn their correct meaning.  Each entry is clearly defined and includes an example of usage. But unlike a regular dictionary, when you thumb through the pages of HOW TO SOUND CLEVER you'll immediately get hooked and think "oh, THAT's what it means!" With this entertaining and enlightening volume you'll be able to pepper your prose with intriguing nuance. By making these 600 useful words, like "agent provocateur" and "apparatchik", part of your vocabulary you'll be able to stand out in a crowd with your clear erudition!
 

Genres: Language

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Tonarius · Rating 3 out of 5]

You probably would sound more 'arty-farty' than clever when using the 600 words in this book. Most of them are really unheard off. But it's fun to read about it and especially the extra boxes the etymology are nice.

[Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's ok. At the end if the day it is a dictionary and therefore I find it hard to read as I generally don't dip in and out of books. Some interesting bits hidden here though.

[Yolanda Carvalho · Rating 3 out of 5]

It makes learning complex vocabulary a bit more interesting and helps you apply it into a correct context.
However, don't take with you on holiday, it may not prove to be too entertaining