Mind the Gaffe: The Penguin Guide to Common Errors in English

by RLTrask (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $3.24

  Can anything be described as 'very real'? There are so many obstacles on the way to writing clear, precise ('accurate'?) English ('english'?) that it is a wonder ('wander'?) anyone ('any one' or 'anyone'?) can be understood. Fortunately, all those who have ever feared being shown up by using one of the twenty worst words and phrases to be avoided at all costs, or confusing the complex with the complicated, can now relax and even enjoy a trouble-shooting guide to good writing. Trask's wonderfully readable and authoritative book adjudicates on hundreds of contentious issues from politically correct language to whether to write 'napkin' or 'serviette'.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2001

  $3.24

  What is the difference between imminent and immanent ? When is it appropriate to use the phrase Hobson's choice ? Can anything be described as very real ? There are so many obstacles on the way to writing clear, precise ( accurate ?) English ( english ?) that it is a wonder ( wander ?) anyone ( anyone or any one ?) can make themselves understood. In this guide, Professor Larry Trask gives advice on how to write simply and effectively and to avoid blunders and howlers which might otherwise leave your readers either bemused or rolling on the floor with laughter. He also adjudicates on hundreds of contentious issues (should aggravate , for example, only be used in its strict meaning of make worse ), helps the reader decide when it is appropriate to use British or American spelling ( millipede or millepede ) and warns of the dangers which careful writers might encounter with e-mail. The result is a book that should be of use to all writers who want quick, sound advice on making their prose as readable and clear as possible.