Common Errors in English Usage [Paperback]

Paul Brians (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1887902899 | ISBN-13: 978-1887902892 | Publication Date: March 2003

Mixed-up, mangled expressions; foreign-language faux pas; confused and confusing terms; commonly mispronounced words - they're all explained in this useful guide.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I don't know how, but somehow, he knows exactly what we need." -- Peggy Duncan, Productivity Trainer and author, Put Time Management to Work

"More than mere common errors, Brians' compilation includes some cleverly deceptive mistakes as well." -- Scott Lewis, Managing Editor, Kyiv Post, "Ukraine's English-Language Newspaper"

"Paul Brians has written a handy and likable reference tool. He sends you off chuckling." -- Jack Miles, former literary editor, Los Angeles Times

About the Author

Paul Brians is a professor of English at Washington State University. His web site, "Common Errors in English Usage" has been recommended by BBC Online, Yahoo! Internet Life magazine, USA Today, "refdesk.com," the Seattle Times, and many other periodicals and publications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: William James & Company (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887902899
• ISBN-13: 978-1887902892
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #372,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practice Makes Perfect, December 22, 2006

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Common Errors in English Usage (Paperback)

Should that be "Practise" or did I use the right spelling?

In the United Kingdom, "practice" is the noun, "practise" the verb; but in the U.S. the spelling "practice" is commonly used for both, though the distinction is sometimes observed. ~ pg. 161

The entries in Paul Brians' "Common Errors in English Usage" are organized alphabetically and provide hours of amusement for anyone who loves language. This book brought back memories of childhood, in those moments where the use of "borrowed" and "lend" were taught at school. Then there is the every present annoyance of "its/it's." Who has not made a mistake while spelling lightening and lightning?

Humor abounds as in the picture of man and bear with the caption: "For a moment he was confused - was he being attacked by a bear presently or currently?"

Some of the most intriguing entries include:

envious/jealous
Mauve
immaculate conception/virgin birth
disburse/disperse
jealous/envious
hysterical/hilarious
who/whom
that/which

You can be jealous of your boyfriend's attraction to other women, but you're envious of your boyfriend's CD collection. ~ pg. 74

This book discusses redundancies, like "DVD disk," but doesn't discuss the difference between CDs and CD's. One is of course possessive while the other is plural.

If I said chai tea, would that be a redundancy? Actually, redundancy also means being unemployed. I still like saying chai tea, but this book says it is pointless and it is also called masala chai. As this tea grows every more popular, I'm sure the way we ask for tea will correct itself.

Why would anyone use sacred instead of scared? This book also deals with common typos. You have to love uses like "same difference." Why do they say "There is no such word as "verbage" when I do find this word in an online dictionary as "jargon." Of course, an urban dictionary may send some people into a state of shock. The author cautions against using nonstandard and obsolete words and says that just because a word is in a dictionary, doesn't mean it is being "endorsed."

If you tend to think up a lot of your own words or like to be playful then some of the entries will make you feel a little rebellious. For those who are longing to perfect their writing, this book can be invaluable. Well, as they say practice makes perfect although my first indication is to type "practise."

"Colour vs. Color" is a far less common usage problem, although I must say that as a child, I was smacked on the hands with a ruler for that one. I had apparently learned the word "color" before moving overseas.

This book would make a perfect present for anyone interested in language, will provide lots of laughs and will bring back memories from childhood. Frankly, I found this to be a fun book. OK, so now I can't use "Frankly" anymore. This book says that I have just abused the English language.

Sentences beginning with this word are properly admissions of something shocking or unflattering to the speaker; but when a public spokesperson for a business or government is speaking, it almost always precedes a self-serving statement. ~ pg. 88

If you have ever lived overseas or have tried to use foreign words, this book unveils faux pas and British/U.S. Spellings.

~The Rebecca Review

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine nuances of the English language, September 21, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Common Errors in English Usage (Paperback)

Common Errors In English Usage puts the wisdom of author and English professor Paul Brians' web site, "Common Errors in English," into print. Offering essential information concerning commonly misused words and phrases, from a scholar whose web site has been endorsed by BBC Online, Life magazine, USA Today, Yahoo! Internet (among others), Common Errors In English Usage is a practical, sensible, and very highly recommended "reader friendly" educational resource and reference for anyone seeking to improve their personal command of the fine nuances of the English language.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gets to the Point, May 4, 2004

By 

Kathie Meyer "pnwwoman" (Port Townsend, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Common Errors in English Usage (Paperback)

This is a great book to flip through while waiting for the bus, the doctor, etc. Because humor and anecdotes are used, the explanations are more likely to be remembered than if one used a dry style manual. Well done!