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Common Errors in English Usage (Paperback)

~ Paul Brians (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)

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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

Product Description

Mixed-up, mangled expressions; foreign-language faux pas; confused and confusing terms; commonly mispronounced words—they’re all explained in this useful and entertaining guide.
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: William James & Company (March 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1887902899
  • ISBN-13: 978-1887902892
  • Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #268,322 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #38 in  Books > Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > English as a Foreign Language > Slang & Idioms
    #70 in  Books > Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > English as a Foreign Language > Writing

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More About the Author

Paul Brians
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Customer Reviews

32 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (32 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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42 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Practice Makes Perfect, December 22, 2006
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 if 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
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33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fine nuances of the English language, September 21, 2003
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews
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.
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27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Priceless Gift for Many, February 20, 2006
By David Wilson (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
I don't think I'm the worst user of the English language but I do make my share of errors. This book is clear, easy to read and well organized. It has helped me many times and will continue to do so in the future. Of course, it is also rewarding to look up a word or grammatical usage and find that you were right! This book should be on the desk of everyone who cares about how they come across to others when writing and should be required reading for all Junior and Senior High School students.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have
This book is clear, concise, and so interesting. There's NO ONE who won't learn a thing or two. A great book. Highly recommended!
Published 2 months ago by Marge Teilhaber

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the book so much, I interviewed the author!
I am a teacher who runs a website about learning and teaching grammar through sentence diagramming.

I'm happy to add this book to my reference library. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Elizabeth O'Brien

3.0 out of 5 stars This covers the subject.
Common Errors in English Usage - As a former teacher, I was too aware of the common errors. The book is great if you are a speaker or writer who has been away from an English... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Antoinette Cook

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking for the correct word? This book will answer the question!
I read a review of this book and decided it was a book I have been seeking for a long time. If you are a person that wonders about things like whether to use further instead of... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Happy In Carmel

5.0 out of 5 stars Common Errors in English Usage
We heard the author of this book, Paul Brians, being interviewed on The Lionel Show on 1260 AM radio. The book lives up to our expectations. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Karen Maury

5.0 out of 5 stars Once again, excellent and essential!
Almost six years after the first edition of this book was released, we finally get this second "revised and expanded" edition. And is it worth it? Of course it is! Read more
Published 13 months ago by Daniel Josephy H.

5.0 out of 5 stars A grammar-junkie's dream!
This book is a must for anyone with a love of language and an appreciation of its correct use. It is authoritative without being pedantic, and gives due respect to the evolution... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Kristin Rohr

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 13 months ago by Daniel Josephy H.

1.0 out of 5 stars Wrong year calendar.
I thought it was a 2009 calendar, but it was for 2008. Both copies are useless.
Published 14 months ago by Donna H. Edgerton

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 15 months ago by Mona G. Affinito

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