Mind the Gaffe: The Penguin Guide to Common Errors in English by R. L. Trask

Description

Can anything be described as 'very real'? There are so many obstacles on the way to writing clear, precise ('accurate'?) English ('english'?) that it is a wonder ('wander'?) anyone ('any one' or 'anyone'?) can be understood. Fortunately, all those who have ever feared being shown up by using one of the twenty worst words and phrases to be avoided at all costs, or confusing the complex with the complicated, can now relax and even enjoy a trouble-shooting guide to good writing. Trask's show more wonderfully readable and authoritative book adjudicates on hundreds of contentious issues from politically correct language to whether to write 'napkin' or 'serviette'. show less

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2 reviews

calenmarwen 243 reviews

Good reference book, though a little out of date now. The author comments their opinion on many topics throughout which could easily have been removed for a more neutral read.

May 29, 2023