The Most Common Mistakes in English Usage (Schaum's Paperbacks) [Paperback]

Thomas Berry (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0070050538 | ISBN-13: 978-0070050532 | Publication Date: June 1, 1971 | Edition: 1

This book analyzes the errors most commonly made in spoken and written English and presents them in a systematic, down-to-earth manner. It does not dictate grammar to the reader; rather, it presents the guidelines for English usage currently being observed by the most competent and careful speakers and writers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 146 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (June 1, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070050538
• ISBN-13: 978-0070050532
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #362,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very handy reference tool for writing, December 17, 1999

By 

"marble" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Most Common Mistakes in English Usage (Schaum's Paperbacks) (Paperback)

I've owned this book for about ten years and moved it with me whenever I get a new technical writing assignment. It has saved my writing hide with the subject matter experts numerous times! It shows the most common errors made in English usage in an easy-to-understand manner. I had trouble with misplaced modifiers and "like" as opposed to "such as" for years. This book helped me learn which way is correct usage!

I like the straighforward and often humorous style. I'd love to see future editions.

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars difficult to read, July 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Most Common Mistakes in English Usage (Schaum's Paperbacks) (Paperback)

This does have great tips on grammar; however, some of the book is definitely outdated. Also, it seems to me that this type of book would be written primarily for those of us who aren't naturally adept in English usage -- if that is the case, I think the author should remember the KISS rule (Keep it simple, stupid) and avoid sentences like this one in chapter 13: "A false comparison is one wherein a comparative or a superlative degree construction is used without a clearly stated basis for the comparison..." . Who needs to muddle through sentences like that! Otherwise, though, this book can be very helpful.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, Handy, and Concise Guide to avoiding, December 10, 2006

By 

Curtis Chambers "Curtis Chambers" (Clearwater, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Most Common Mistakes in English Usage (Schaum's Paperbacks) (Paperback)

common grammatical and word meaning errors in English. Learn to use proper English. Useful for speakers as well as writers. A good example is the reflexive pronoun "myself". Do you know the proper usage of this word? What about when to use "may" versus "might"? If not, this book is a good start. I think most people could benefit from this book. The problem with errors in speech is that we unaware we are making them and often repeat them. Others, however, may pick up on our mistakes. Also, this book is concise and a fairly quick read.