Common Errors In English Usage

Online version of Common Errors in English Usage written by Paul Brians.

Mixed-up, mangled expressions; foreign-language faux pas; confused and confusing terms; commonly mispronounced words--they're all explained in this useful guide. The Second Edition of this classic reference is revised & expanded by 25%.

This book analyzes the errors most commonly made in spoken and written English and presents them in a systematic, down-to-earth manner. It does not dictate grammar to the reader; rather, it presents the guidelines for English usage currently being observed by the most competent and careful speakers and writers. The most troublesome words and phrases—as well as grammatical terms—are listed alphabetically within 18 subject areas to enable the reader to check quickly on questions of usage. In each case, illustrative examples are given, and the guiding principle is stated for the reader to follow in avoiding the mistake and others similar to it. An extensive index for additional ease of reference helps make this book a handy tool for the modern reader who realizes that mere knowledge is no longer sufficient—that one must be able to express his knowledge clearly, forcefully, and correctly.

1500 Chapter-end questions divided equally among 10 chapters with varying levels of difficulty, i.e. Low-Medium-High. 5 Self-Assessment Tests - 500 practice questions with explanatory answers

Focussing on the most common errors in English, this book is the easiest way to improve your everyday language skills. Using simple explanations and corpus examples, it uses a thematic approach to steer learners away from the most common pitfalls in English.

This is a single reference point to look up all manner of spelling, grammar or punctuation queries.

Ever stumble when choosing between "who" and "whom," "affect" and "effect," "lay" and "lie"? Are you worried that how you speak or write is holding you back at work? Do you fear you're making frequent conversational errors, but just aren't sure what's correct? How you use language tells people a good deal about who you are, how you think, and how you communicate. Making simple errors in written and spoken English can make you seem less sophisticated -- even less intelligent -- than you really are. And that can affect (not effect) your relationships, your friendships, and even your career. This comprehensive, easy-to-use reference is a program designed to help you identify and correct the most common errors in written and spoken English.