Customer Reviews

The Columbia Guide to Standard American English

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I can't say that I consult this book often, but when I do, I always get an answer, and I'm usually entertained and/or enlightened. Flipping the book open to a random page, I come across "sheik, sheikh," noun, and am told: "Both spellings and their pronunciations are Standard, but Americans usually pronounce the Arab chieftain's title to rhyme with "sleek" and spell it "sheik"; the British usually rhyme it with "shake" and spell it "sheikh." Now, I find that interesting, and the next time I read a British mystery that has a sheikh or two in it, I must remember to read it with the "shake" pronunciation!

I definitely recommend this book for people interested in American word usage -- not for scholars, but for the average person.

Great for settling arguments or making sure you're using the correct terminology. I actually bought two - one for my daughter. An awesome resource!

Considering the price, this book offers a simple yet concise explanation on English usage. Recommended for non-native speakers.