Title
Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words: A Writer's Guide to Getting It Right,New
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
One of the English languages most skilled and beloved writers guides us all toward precise, mistakefree grammar.As usual Bill Bryson says it best: English is a dazzlingly idiosyncratic tongue, full of quirks and irregularities that often seem willfully at odds with logic and common sense. This is a language where cleave can mean to cut in half or to hold two halves together; where the simple word set has 126 different meanings as a verb, 58 as a noun, and 10 as a participial adjective; where if you can run fast you are moving swiftly, but if you are stuck fast you are not moving at all; [and] where colonel, freight, once, and ache are strikingly at odds with their spellings. As a copy editor for the London Times in the early 1980s, Bill Bryson felt keenly the lack of an easytoconsult, authoritative guide to avoiding the traps and snares in English, and so he brashly suggested to a publisher that he should write one. Surprisingly, the proposition was accepted, and for a sum of money carefully gauged not to cause embarrassment or feelings of overworth, he proceeded to write that bookhis first, inaugurating his stellar career.Now, a decade and a half later, revised, updated, and thoroughly (but not overly) Americanized, it has become Brysons Dictionary of Troublesome Words, more than ever an essential guide to the wonderfully disordered thing that is the English language. With some one thousand entries, from a, an to zoom, that feature realworld examples of questionable usage from an international array of publications, and with a helpful glossary and guide to pronunciation, this precise, prescriptive, andbecause it is written by Bill Brysonoften witty book belongs on the desk of every person who cares enough about the language not to maul or misuse or distort it.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words? A: There are two hundred fifty-six pages in this book. It provides a comprehensive guide to the complexities of the English language.
- Q: What is the binding type of this dictionary? A: This dictionary is available in a paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: What are the dimensions of Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words? A: The dimensions are five point two inches in length, zero point fifty-nine inches in width, and seven point ninety-nine inches in height. These compact dimensions make it easy to fit on a bookshelf or in a bag.
- Q: How do I use Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words? A: You can use the dictionary to clarify grammar and usage questions. It features real-world examples and explanations for various words and phrases.
- Q: Is this dictionary suitable for beginners in English? A: Yes, it is suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. The clear explanations and examples help users of all levels improve their understanding of English.
- Q: What age group is this book suitable for? A: This book is suitable for adults and older teens. It covers complex language topics that may be challenging for younger children.
- Q: How should I care for my copy of Bryson's Dictionary? A: To keep it in good condition, store it in a dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. This prevents fading and damage to the pages.
- Q: Is this dictionary safe for children? A: While it is not specifically designed for children, the content is educational and can be beneficial. However, parental guidance is recommended.
- Q: Can I take this dictionary with me while traveling? A: Yes, its compact size makes it travel-friendly. You can easily pack it in a suitcase or carry bag.
- Q: What if my copy of the book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, you should contact the retailer for a return or exchange. Most retailers have policies in place for damaged items.
- Q: Is there a glossary in Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words? A: Yes, there is a glossary included. It helps clarify terminology and provides additional context for users.
- Q: How does this dictionary differ from other English dictionaries? A: This dictionary specifically addresses troublesome words and common usage errors. It focuses on clarity and precise language usage.
- Q: What is the author’s background? A: The author, Bill Bryson, is a well-known writer and has a background in copy editing. His expertise adds credibility to the content.
- Q: Are there examples of usage in this dictionary? A: Yes, the dictionary contains real-world examples of word usage. These examples help illustrate common pitfalls in English.
- Q: Does this book provide pronunciation guides? A: Yes, it includes a guide to pronunciation. This feature helps users learn how to correctly pronounce troublesome words.