The Wrong Word Dictionary: 2,000 Most Commonly Confused Words [Paperback]

Dave Dowling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 2005

Even good writers sometimes find the right word elusive. Or is it illusive? The correct usage for more than 2,000 words that people commonly misuse is provided in this concise and accessible handbook that assures, insures, and ensures that anyone who wants to communicate accurately and effectively chooses the right word every time. Arranged alphabetically in pairs (or threes when appropriate), entries are carefully explained with a sentence that illustrates correct usage and cross-referenced to ensure that readers find, for example, boycott, even when they look up embargo first. Two dozen cartoons by Argentinian illustrator Santiago Cornejo (Corne) humorously clarify confusing distinctions between words and make this a fun reference for all word lovers to enjoy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A lively new reference."  —Off the Page on WSKG Radio

"Deserves a spot on every home reference bookshelf."  —Daily News 
 

"If you want to ensure you don't use the wrong word, read this book."  —Robert Harwell Fiske, author, The Dimwit's Dictionary

 

 

About the Author

Dave Dowling is also the author of The Dictionary of Worthless Words, Images of Steve Reeves, and Steve Reeves: His Legacy in Films. For many years, he worked as a technical writer, editor, and writing instructor in large industry. Years ago he also worked in radio, assisting in the production of the nationally syndicated shows American Country Countdown and American Top 40. He now lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Marion Street Press, LLC (September 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972993770
• ISBN-13: 978-0972993777
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #678,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Synonyms & Antonyms

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dave Dowling Does It Again!, December 29, 2005

By 

G. Dracon (Bethesda, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wrong Word Dictionary: 2,000 Most Commonly Confused Words (Paperback)

I thought Dave Dowling's "Writing the Right Word" was helpful - "The Wrong Word Dictionary" takes my logophilia to another level! Dowling's latest masterpiece helps you to effectively sharpen your speech and writing skills in a painless and enjoyable way.

It's a snap to find the words you're looking for and, rather than bombard you with loads of background information, the explanations are presented in a succinct and effective manner. This style allows Dowling to provide you with thousands of answers that are accessible and understandable within, literally, seconds of opening the book.

The only downside is that you will regularly wish that you had the book by your side as you write emails or other documents. Solution: buy a few copies and leave them wherever you frequently sit down to write or, better yet, maybe Dowling will come out with a pill version that we could swallow and just know the right word automatically!

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Reference Book I've Ever Seen, November 7, 2005

By 

Dave Bernstein (Long Beach, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wrong Word Dictionary: 2,000 Most Commonly Confused Words (Paperback)

Have you ever confused the words gone and went? Which and that? Good and well? If you have, this is definitely a must have for your bookshelf.

Since I've had this book, my writing has improved tremendously. I find myself reaching for this book whenever I'm writing an e-mail, typing a paper, or just plain confused. This book is a great asset for any college student, business professional, or just the average writer.

If you do a lot of writing, make sure to pick up a copy of this book. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Also the Right Word Dictionary, November 20, 2005

By 

Vicente Lozano - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wrong Word Dictionary: 2,000 Most Commonly Confused Words (Paperback)

Robert Browning, the 19th Century British poet, on analyzing a bishop's discourse said, "He said true things, but called them wrong names." Dave Dowling's "The Wrong Word Dictionary" goes after many of the the wrong names (confusable words) we sometimes use in our attempt to write or say "true things." By providing concise definitions of those words we are liable to confuse, this dictionary leads us to the correct word.

Best of all, the papeback is small yet comprehensive in its coverage. We can carry it with us to the classroom, the office, or even to our local bar. In 234 pages, more than 2,000 problem words are clarified. For some words, distinctions are made clear with cartoon illustrations that remind us that word study can also be fun. The cartoons also serve as mnemonic devices. After we see a cartoon that illustrates what caused a noisome odor to drift into a noisy party, we are not liable to forget the difference between "noisome" and "noisy".

Mark Twain said, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter--'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." Dave Dowling, in his book, does an excellent job in helping us differentiate between several "lightning bugs" and "lightning"-- and have fun doing it too. A "must have" for writers, professionals, students (including ESL students), and all English users who want to make important word distinctions quickly without having to carry a large dictionary or usage book with them.