How do I use a thesaurus?

the long version

The greatest remedy for writer''s block--and an effective way to expand one''s vocabulary--is the use of the writer''s go-to resource: a thesaurus. Thesauri are easier to use than ever before, thanks to numerous online options that complement traditional print editions. Readers will not only discover how to zero in on just the right word for the occasion, but they will also learn how to identify parts of speech, related words, and the fine distinctions among words. This is an indispensible guide to mastering the most important tool of a wordsmith.