Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage

by E. Ward Gilman (Editor)

The complete guide to problems of confused or disputed usage.

"Should I use affect or effect? Is it correct to write alright, or is all right the right one? Which cases call for in, as opposed to into?" Find answers to these questions, and many more, in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage.

Comprehensive usage articles help you write and speak accurately. Entries reveal a usage history, contemporary analysis, and a recommended solution.

Quotations illustrating usage help you make informed choices. Over 20,000 illustrative quotations provide concrete examples of how words are used.

Special history and pronunciation sections help you build understanding and knowledge. A Brief History of English Usage and a quick-reference guide to Pronunciation Symbols provide background and supplementary data.

Alphabetical listings and cross-referencing help you find answers fast. More than 2,300 entries and 600 cross-references facilitate quick look-ups.

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

978 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1994

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