Mixed-up, mangled expressions; foreign-language faux pas; confused and confusing terms; commonly mispronounced words - they're all explained in this useful guide.
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Book Description
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
"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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 68 people found the following review helpful
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
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
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
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!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Very useful, especially for non-native speakers!
This is a very good book, and it is essential for anyone linguist or person who wants to speak or write English well. Read more
Published on January 29, 2009 by Daniel Josephy H.
Really, a fun read
I should warn you that I sat down in the middle of a busy day when I first received this and read it for an hour. Read more
Published on December 11, 2008 by Mona G. Affinito
Very good
I bought the book because I know the website. The book looks great, I really like the drawings. Very clever, very useful and makes a good present, too.
Published on April 24, 2008 by J. Zador
Excellent reference
I felt the book was so good that I ordered it for all 3 of my adult children. Public schools do not seem to have the time to teach correct English anymore.
Published on September 17, 2007 by Walter J. Schaefer, Jr.
Help for Writers
This book provides help with common language usage questions. As an engineer working for the federal government, writing is a large part of my job. Read more
Published on July 28, 2007 by Kerry Webb
Don't let the title fool you. Great book.
This is a genuinely entertaining book, believe it or not. You might think of it as a reference book but I actually just sit and read it, page by page. Read more
Published on May 25, 2007 by Q-fever
Excellent resource
This is an excellent reference guide for the average person as well as the professional writer or editor. Read more
Published on January 19, 2007 by Harold McFarland
But how does one critique such a book....?
The William, James & Co. is making a fine stance in its selection of books to publish, books that serve the soul and the mind and challenge our perceptions on many levels. Read more
Published on November 26, 2006 by Grady Harp
language lover's dream!
I bought this as a gift for my English major daughter as a pick-me-up, and it was a huge hit!
Published on November 3, 2006 by Wendy L. Parr
Fun to read, useful information, and makes a great gift
This book hits a sweet spot for me. Paul Brians uses a common sense approach in discussing how we use and misuse our language. His approach is not fussy or full of rules. Read more
Published on October 18, 2006 by Craig Matteson
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