Grammar and style

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Clear English
Synopsis
In 1919, William Strunk Jr privately printed a little book which, when revised by E. B. White 38 years later, was to become The Elements of Style, a classic text on grammar and usage. English in the 1990s is a very much different language from that of the 1940s. Now widely regarded as universal language of business and commerce, English (and its elegant usage) is constantly gaining in importance in the world today. This is a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide to the finer complexities of English usage. The book is for everyone who already has a command of the conventions of basic English, but who wants to acquire finer precision in expression and clarity in writing.

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The Economist Numbers Guide
Synopsis

None provided. This is a companion to the next title and has been described as 'an editor's guide to charts'.

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The Economist Style Guide
Synopsis
Gives advice on writing, points out common errors and cliches, offers guidance on consistent use of punctuation, abbreviations and capital letters, and contains a range of reference material - covering everything from accountancy ratios and stock market indices to laws of nature and science.

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Essential English
Synopsis
A guide to the use of words as tools of communication, written primarily for journalists but of value to all who have to convey information by the written or printed word.

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Grammar: a Student's Guide
Synopsis
This introductory guide to grammar explains 100 basic grammatical terms. A knowledge of such terms, and how they interconnect, is crucial for an understanding of the structure and function of language. The explanations are listed alphabetically for easy reference, like a dictionary, but offer more than a simple definition. Each entry is divided into sections, providing a clear explanation, examples and exercises, and highlighting the main contrasts and interrelationships between the terms. Many entries contain a 'for interest' section which sets out further points, often drawing on some of the more exotic languages of the world, or discussing important contemporary issues, such as dialects, standard language, and sexism in language.

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The Handbook of Non-sexist Writing for Writers, Editors and Speakers
'This book is thoughtfully and carefully written and examines what sort of writing excludes and alienates women. Equally importantly Casey & Miller offer alternative words and ways of phrasing sentences. If you feel, whether you are male or female, that being inclusive in your writing or speaking is essential than this is the handbook for you. Originally published in America, the book has been adapted for a UK audience and is peppered with genuine examples of good and bad practice. It highlights the usual pitfalls that many of us fail to avoid and demonstrates how to skip them in the future. Those who haven't read it may be concerned that the book has the potential to be pedantic or sexist towards men but far from it, it is intelligently and considerately written. Not just for writers but for everyone who values egalitarianism.' (Customer comment)

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Mind the Stop
Synopsis
This guide to punctuation emphasizes the practical nature of the compilation.

Currently unavailable at Amazon, unfortunately (but try the link, just in case).

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The New Fowler's Modern English Usage
Synopsis
Since its first publication in 1926, this guide to English usage has come to be known affectionately simply as Fowler. Journalists, broadcasters, and writers of all kinds should find it of use for making the definitive judgement on all matters of English usage. Taking account of the extensive changes in standard English, Fowler has been written afresh and expanded by Robert Burchfield, an Oxford lexicographer. This revised edition of the standard language reference provides: comprehensive advice on correct English; practical help with grammar, syntax, style, and choice of words; clear guidance on usage points; all major points of usage reconsidered and judged in the light of the language of the 1990s, with many new insights into how English is used today. In-depth coverage is given of both British and American English, together with aspects of the English of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.

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The Oxford Guide to English Usage
Synopsis
Find out how George Orwell used the wrong plural, why you should avoid fulsome praise, and when to use the subjunctive. This is a theme-by-theme guide to correct written and spoken English. Its unique organization by subject gives a complete overview of English usage, providing advice on both rules and exceptions. Now thoroughly revised to incorporate the latest spelling, pronunciation and usage information from Oxford's most up-to-date dictionaries, the guide illustrates points of usage with quotations from authors from Virginia Woolf to David Lodge. Problem words are in a special A-Z section, and a full index gives access to both specific words and subjects throughout the book.

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The Oxford Guide to Style

Book Description

The successor to Hart's Rules, The Oxford Guide to Style contains 16 topic-based chapters giving advice on how to present the written word. As well as information on the preparation of copy and proof, it gives advice on issues such as copyright laws and legal references. This really is the ultimate guide for all printers, publishers and editors. See also The Oxford Style Manual in Copy-editing basics.

Synopsis

A companion for anyone who needs a discerning guide through the innumerable choices and complexities of editorial method. Based on the house style of Oxford University Press, it provides a comprehensive guide to the subject of editorial practice. With a grammar and usage section, alphabetic entries and full cross-references, it is authoritative as well as easy to use.

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The Oxford Guide to Writing and Speaking
Synopsis
The Key to Effective Communication. This is the essential, practical book for anyone who wants to improve their written and spoken language skills. It provides advice, tips, and ideas to help you communicate better in a wide range of everyday situations. John Seely gives clear guidance and practical pointers to cope with the following situations: Communicating successfully in everyday life * Writing in business: letters, faxes, reports, e-mail * Writing in education: essays, papers, dissertations * Applying for a job: successful CVs and covering letters, preparing for interviews * Meetings and presentations: chairing meetings, planning the agenda, giving persuasive presentations * Dealing with the media: press releases, media interviews * Getting your message across effectively * Understanding the needs of your audience: pitching your message * Time and place: dealing with organizations, institutions, and individuals * Using correct English * Good grammar, punctuation, and spelling: writing better and avoiding mistakes * Increased wordpower: finding words, appropriate language * Efficient planning and writing * The starting point: planning and researching * Getting it on paper: drafting, writing, revising * Presentation: effective design, using technology.

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The Oxford Reference Grammar
Synopsis
The Oxford Reference Grammar is a guide to modern English grammar. Designed for native English-speakers around the world, it presents the key points from Sidney Greenbaum's work in a form for the non-specialist. The guide gives guidance on all aspects of word types verbs, nouns, adjectives, and pronouns and word structures, including phrases, clauses, and sentences. Arranged thematically, it describes grammar as it is in use at the beginning of the twenty-first century, giving evidence of use in hundreds of quotations based on English as it is really spoken and written. Text is broken up into digestible sections and is complimented by a full glossary of grammatical terms and an introductory chapter on the history of the English language and its grammar.

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The Penguin Guide to Punctuation
Synopsis
Focusing on British and Commonwealth punctuation, but also explaining American usage, this text contains clear and up-to-date definitions of each type of punctuation. It includes the correct use of capital letters, contractions and abbreviations, italics, boldface and the special characters available on a word processor.

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Rediscover Grammar
'Excellent. I am currently studying A-Level English at college. I originally borrowed this book from my tutor to help me with my work as I was having problems when it came to literary analysis. The book goes into great depth in explaining the rules of English Grammar and its complexities in a clear and concise format, which I personally found easy to understand. I have read and used other books as a point of reference, such as 'Grammar Structure and Style' by Shirley Russell but I found that they were too complex to use as a quick tool and although the latter is another excellent book, when it comes to ranking them for ease of use, the book by Shirley Russell does not even come close. I would recommend this book to anybody who is having difficulties with English grammar or anybody who simply wants to correct the grammar that they use in day-to-day life. This book is also useful for those who are learning a foreign language and are having difficulties in relating the grammar of the new language to that of their own. This is something that I have experienced first hand. Overall, I would recommend anybody who wants help with grammar to purchase this book as it is one of the best that I have seen.' (Customer comment)

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The Times Writer's Guide
Synopsis
Whether you want to write a novel, draft a report for the School Board, create a compelling CV, write a letter of protest to the Council that will be taken seriously, or enter the brave new world of e-mail, this book is for you and indeed for all the family: the essential desk companion for anyone requiring a friendly guide to modern communication, from the composition of effective complaints to choosing the right 'emoticon' to sign off your e-mail with. Section 1 – Grammar: What is Grammar? Why use it? Sentences, Parts of Speech: Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Determiners, Conjunctions, Prepositions; Section 2 – Punctuation: The complete guide to the 'nuts and bolts' of English speech, capitalization and commas to hyphens and quotations marks; Section 3 – Writing: Tips Achieving clarity, Improving your power of expression, Letter writing, Creating a CV, E-mailing; Section 4 – Building and Perfecting your Vocabulary: A-Z listing of useful but unfamiliar words, with straightforward guidance on difficult and confusable words, The 2,000 most Misspelt Words, Problem Proper Nouns and Commonly Misspelt Names, Ways to Improve Your Spelling, Some Spelling Rules, American Spelling; Section 5 – Foreign Words and Phrases: A-Z listing of common foreign terms, with definitions; Section 6 – Abbreviations: A-Z listing of common and some uncommon abbreviations and acronyms, with full explanations; Section 7: Pointers from The Times Guide to Style and Usage

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Titles and Forms of Address
Synopsis
This reference guide is for anyone who has to address letters and formal invitations to a range of people from dukes to advocates, and from bishops to members of the Women's Royal Naval Service. Recognition is also paid to women as life peers, priests and judges - and to their husbands.

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Usage and Abusage
Synopsis
This work takes a look at the use - and constant misuse - of English. Declaring war on bad grammar, woolliness of expression and poor choice of vocabulary, the book sets out both to highlight problems and pitfalls and to offer constructive advice on the proper use of English.

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