When Words Collide: A Media Writer's Guide to Grammar and Style (with InfoTrac®) (Wadsworth Series in Mass Communication and Journalism) (Spiral-bound)

by Lauren Kessler (Author), Duncan McDonald (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Specific examples help the novice or less mature writer quickly see how the errors can be corrected. The section on parallel Structure is particularly important because students tend to overlook these errors."

"I really like the clarity and directness of the writing style. In fact, style is one of the book’s main strengths. The examples are clear, succinct and extremely helpful."

"College students will find the casual writing style a refreshing change from many of their other textbooks. The conversational tone and frequent use of analogies turns a boring subject into an interesting narrative."

Product Description
WHEN WORDS COLLIDE is the most versatile grammar and usage handbook for beginning and continuing media writers. As a main text, the book is praised by students and professors for its straightforward, clear treatment of grammar, offered in a lighthearted, almost conversational tone. As a handbook, the text serves as a reference tool for students throughout their writing careers. It provides concise and clear explanations and examples, or a quick and accurate answer to a grammar or usage question. The unique 'from writer to writer' perspective engages students and guides them firsthand through the writing process.

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Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 264 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 6 edition (March 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 053456206X
• ISBN-13: 978-0534562069
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #223,888 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great, clear, easy guide to grammar rules,tricks and info., October 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: When Words Collide: A Media Writers Guide to Grammar and Style (Paperback)

This book changed my life! I took a class in college from tbe author and this was the textbook. I have been in advertising and marketing for the past 12 years and I use this book all the time. It's so easy to use and the info is really clear.

The best part is a guide at tbe back that explains the distinctions between commonly misused words. For Example: farther/further (farther--physical distance-throw the ball farther and further --degree,time or quanity - discuss the issue further); since/because (since -- denotes a period of time -it's been many years since we've been together and because gives a reason or cause); irregardless(isn't a word) etc. I recommend this book to everyone--it's great.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Grammar Guide for Everyone, March 29, 2001

By	Jenny Taylor (Portland, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Words Collide: A Media Writer's Guide to Grammar and Style (Spiral-bound)

This a great guide for all journalists or anyone who wants to use proper grammar and punctuation. This textbook is owned by every student in the journalism school where the two authors teach, which is where I first picked up this book. I've been working in PR for the last four years and have it sitting on my desk for reference whenever I want to know the proper use of underway vs. under way or bad vs. badly or some other frequently misused words and punctuation.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Answer to Beginner Grammarians' Nightmares, April 8, 2004

By A Customer

This guide wittily walks its readers through the rules of English grammar, breaks down every principle, identifies the most common mistakes among writers and gives excellent insight on how to fix these errors. The last 37 pages (the Topical Guide to Grammar and Word Use) simply list every misconception or fallacy regarding word and punctuation misuse and give quick explanations on how to correct these frequent blunders. This book is an absolutely must for any undergraduate student and I recommend it to even the most professional grammarians. It should be considered beginner grammarians' Bible.