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Why literally shouldn't be taken literally. Why Americans think home in on something is a mistake and Brits think hone in is. Is it OK to spell OK okay? What's wrong with hence why? Was Alanis Morrisette ever ironic? Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage is the world-famous guide to English usage, loved and used by writers, editors, and anyone who values correct English since it first appeared in 1926. Fowler's gives comprehensive and practical advice on
complex points of grammar, syntax, punctuation, style, and word choice. Now enlarged and completely revised to reflect English usage in the 21st century, it provides a crystal-clear, authoritative picture of the English we use, while illuminating scores of usage questions old and new. International in
scope, it gives in-depth coverage of both British and American English usage issues, with reference also to the English of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, and South Africa. The thousands of authentic examples in the book vividly demonstra
List of contents
- Preface to the Fourth Edition
- Acknowledgements
- Dedication, 1926
- Key to the Pronunciation
- Abbreviations and Symbols
- Bibliographical Abbreviations
- A to Z
About the author
Jeremy Butterfield is an OUP author, language expert, writer, and lexicographer. For many years he worked in senior editorial positions in Collins Dictionaries. He is the author of the popular book on the English language, Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare (2009), as well as the Oxford A-Z of English Usage (2013).
Robert Burchfield (1923-2004) was born in Wangannui, New Zealand. He edited the third and the revised third edition of Fowler's Modern English Usage. His distinguished lexicographical career included a number of key publications: The Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology (1966, with C. T. Onions and G. W. S. Friedrichsen) and The English Language (1985).
Henry Watson Fowler (1858-1933) worked as a teacher and freelance writer before going to Guernsey to form a remarkably successful writing partnership with his brother Francis. Most notably, the Fowler brothers wrote The King's English, and compiled the first edition of the Concise Oxford Dictionary (1911). Henry Fowler finished the Pocket Oxford Dictionary in 1924, and Modern English Usage, which made him a household name, in 1926.
Summary
This renowned reference work offers clear, practical guidance on controversial or disputed language usage, including questions of grammar, spelling, style, and word choice. This new edition has been comprehensively updated and is a trustworthy guide for anyone seeking authoritative advice on the correct use of English.
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I must congratulate Jeremy Butterfield, editor of the latest edition of Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage. To wordsmiths such as myself, Fowler's is akin to the Koran or the Bible.
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Jeremy Butterfield has given us easily the best edition of this beloved work since H. W. Fowler's original. For anyone who cares about the English language, this book will provide helpful guidance and fascinating distraction in equal measure. Times Literary Supplement, Benjamin George Friedman
