Customer Reviews

Right, Wrong, and Risky: A Dictionary of Today's American English Usage

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I just bought this book today and was absolutley delighted to see such an up-to-date reference book on American usage. I have been waiting for a comphrensive yet readable book on this subject, and Mr. Davidson's book fills the bill fairly well. The entries are alphabetically arranged, with very entertaining and informative prescriptions on what's right and incorrect. On the more controversial entries he even suggests a "risk-free" alternative to keep the prospective writer/editor out of possible hot water. A nice touch! Most aspects of usage and style are covered. From the usual collection of confusing and misspelled words, to excellent discussions about fused gerunds, redundant phrases, and other matters likely to trip up people who want to write clearly and correctly for their readers. The excellent bibliography is exhasutive and lists all the books that have been published on this topic since the early 90s (and earlier!).

On the negative side, I was very disapppointed that there was no index for the individual entries. This proved to be especially troubling, since not all entries are listed where they should be. For example, in looking up the word "yet", I found it not under the y's, but under the b's with the entry "but, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, still and all, or yet?" An index would have been helpful to point me directly to the page on which this item was discussed.

Lastly, I was surprised there was no reference to the recent Cambridge Guide to English Usage (2004) by Pam Peters who is also at Macquarie University. The two books together should answer any usage question for years to come.

I can't think of anyone who uses the spoken or written word who wouldn't be intrigued by this book. Oh, how we misuse our English language with word useage that we are unsure of or mangle. Although not meant as such, I bought this book as a reference gift for my Crossword Puzzle obsessed son. It is amazing the amount of research and scholarship that is invested in this book. Look up the definition of the word "peruse." My guess is you haven't been using it correctly. Welcome to the club.

If you write letters, books, emails or just quick notes to the kids, you need this book. I have been honing my writing skills for years and found a plethora of information that I can use everyday. This book showed me how far I still have to go.

I'm buying four copies for Christmas gifts, I'm sure they'll be well received.

THE go to book for usage - easy to use, clear, modern and...witty!

Entries are listed in alphabetical order, followed by a lucid discussion of the word or words in question.I've given it to students and friends who are lovers of language.

Not just a reference work; it's fun to dip into at moments of leisure.

This book answers all the questions of when to use lie or lay, affect or effect, specious or spurious, and so forth. I purchased two copies, one for me and one for my secretary, several years ago. It is a very effective resource. Note effective versus affective, covered in this book for those who wonder. My recent purchases of copies of the book are for high school seniors and university freshmen and women. All of them have thanked me and find the book very useful in English composition in formal English classes and all other subjects where writing is part of the course.

One of the best references on usage available. Every serious writer should have this book upon their desk, just as they are likely to have Fowler's Modern English Usage. After you have read Migno Fogerty's book, and then Accident's of Style, purchase this one.

As a writer and editor this book is a dream resource. Using the right word at the right time and place is one of the keys to successful writing. What a book - what a bargain!

Great source for finding proper usage for everyday misused words such as lie,lay,sit etc. Today's journalists and many news sources would do well to utilize this source.