The A To Z Of Correct English

Designed to help resolve most common English language problems and queries, this book has an accessible reference format with examples and explanations of mistakes regarding sentence construction, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

How to speak and write with complete confidence, and express yourself clearly.

It's important in our daily lives for us to write clear English which is easily understood. If we get the basics wrong, our words may be misinterpreted and cause confusion. To make sure our written words convey our exact meanings, we need to understand the fundamentals of the English language, such as the parts of speech, how sentences and paragraphs are constructed, and the correct use of punctuation. We also need to spell the words correctly! This indispensable reference guide to the rules and conventions governing written English will help all those who are unsure about whether to use "its" or "it's", or a colon instead of a comma, or how to spell words such as "separate".

Correct English Usage is a unique and peerless book for those who are interested in having a written and spoken command of the English language. The fascination of this international language is unmatched. But it is replete with pitfalls which must be carefully avoided if one does not want to become a butt of laughter either in written or spoken English. Let us quote from the book itself, “A student of the English language ought to know the difference between ‘English’ and ‘the English’.” This book is a treasure house of modern and current usage in English. As one flips through the pages of the book, one gains in knowledge and confidence. The mystery of the English language unfolds itself in every page of this wonderful treatise.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ...I should not do so. (Propriety.) Children ought to obey their parents. (Duty.) You should always arrange your hair in that way. (Propriety.) You ought not to treat your sister so unkindly. (Duty.) You should call on your friends more frequently. (Propriety.) You ought to assist your parents. (Propriety.) Subjunctive Futurity. Should. If he should come, we should go. If you should come, I should go. If I should do that, you would not forgive me. Determination, Willingness, Custom. Would. I would never consent. (Determination.) I would not give him one cent. (Determination.) When he was a boy, he would always run to school. (Custom.) I would do this for you, certainly. (Willingness.) You would do this for me I know and so would he. (Willingness.) I know that he would do this with pleasure. (Willingness.) When I was a child, I would sit and dream for hours at a time. (Custom.) The Auxiliary in Interrogative Sentences. The same rule obtains as in shall and will. Drill. Sister--I shall go East. (Simple futurity.) Interrogation.--Did you say that you should go East? Sister--I will do that for you. (Promise or willingness.) Interrogation.--Did you say that you would do that for me? She--I shall not go to town to-day. (Simple futurity.) Interrogation.--Did you say that you should not go to town to-day? Did she say that she should not go to town to-day? Sister--I will call for you when I go. (Promise or willingness.) Interrogation.--Did you say that you would call for me? Did she say that she would call for me? He--I shall not go to town. Did you say that you should not go to town? Interrogation.--Did he say that he should not go to town? He--I will get it for you. (Promise or willingness. ) Interrogation.--Did he say that he would get it for me?...

This book identifies common errors in using English grammar, provides examples and suggests corrected use