Description
Book SynopsisWhy literally shouldn''t be taken literally. Why Americans think home in on something is a mistake and Brits think hone in is. Is it OK to spell OK okay? What''s wrong with hence why? Was Alanis Morrisette ever ironic? Fowler''s Dictionary of Modern English Usage is the world-famous guide to English usage, loved and used by writers, editors, and anyone who values correct English since it first appeared in 1926. Fowler''s gives comprehensive and practical advice on complex points of grammar, syntax, punctuation, style, and word choice. Now enlarged and completely revised to reflect English usage in the 21st century, it provides a crystal-clear, authoritative picture of the English we use, while illuminating scores of usage questions old and new. International in scope, it gives in-depth coverage of both British and American English usage issues, with reference also to the English of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, and South Africa. The thousands of authentic examples in the book vividly demonstra
Trade ReviewJeremy Butterfield has given us easily the best edition of this beloved work since H. W. Fowler's original. For anyone who cares about the English language, this book will provide helpful guidance and fascinating distraction in equal measure. * Times Literary Supplement, Benjamin George Friedman *
The book is impressively up to date, with entries on internet-related neologisms: hash-tag is here and selfie, and the verb to google (which Butterfield does not object to, insisting only that is should be capitalized) ... easily the best edition of this beloved work since H.W Fowler's original. For anyone who cares about the English language, this book will provide helpful guidance and fascinating distraction in equal measure. * Benjamin George Friedman, The Times Literary Supplement *
Butterfield's passion for discussing language is evident throughout ... This edition is rich in examples of language in use and discussion of debates about appropriate usage. * Lisa Pettifer, Babel: The Language Magazine *
here is another fascinating tome that will be in constant use by yours truly * Suffolk & Norfolk Life *
Butterfield has created a guide that is readable for entertainment as well as enlightenment. * World Wide Words, Michael Quinion *
I must congratulate Jeremy Butterfield, editor of the latest edition of Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage. To wordsmiths such as myself, Fowler's is akin to the Koran or the Bible. * The Herald, Alan Taylor *
Table of ContentsPreface to the Fourth Edition ; Acknowledgements ; Dedication, 1926 ; Key to the Pronunciation ; Abbreviations and Symbols ; Bibliographical Abbreviations ; A to Z
