The Penguin dictionary of American English usage and style

the long version

"The Penguin Dictionary of American English Usage and Style is a guide to good usage of English, the American variety, for everyone who is interested in our language and who wants to use it clearly and precisely." "This book combines the virtues of unusual readability and the easy accessibility that come from being cast in A to Z form. Consult it for information or read it for enjoyment.". "Drawing on some two thousand true examples of misusage or questionable usage, it spotlights the traps that writers and speakers can fall into. And clearly, in plain language, it tells the proper usage and explains the principles involved.". "Many common questions of word usage, grammar, and punctuation are answered here. Distinctive features are offered, too: topics found in no comparable reference; true examples and definitions in all word entries; and the debunking of myths arising from misunderstood words and cliches.". "The Penguin Dictionary of American English Usage and Style rejects the view that in grammar and usage anything goes, that native speakers of a language cannot go wrong. It distinguishes right from wrong when the difference is clear."--BOOK JACKET.