The Penguin Dictionary of American English Usage and Style

As a practical guide to correct grammar and word choice, The Penguin Dictionary of American English Usage and Style makes an excellent addition to the reference shelf of any high school or college student, and those who write professionally will get plenty of use out of it as well. Words are arranged alphabetically, and thorough cross-referencing makes it fairly easy to track down specific answers, from the plural of “rhinoceros” to when “due to” is an acceptable phrase. Each entry gives examples of correct and incorrect usage, and usually includes a short explanation of the rule. When the rule is vague or misleading, author Paul Lovinger uses humor and a friendly attitude in explaining the mysteries of American English, and his examples of improper style are likely to make a lasting impression. The food writer who dared to describe a bland eggplant as “sultry” is gently mocked (what is “feverishly passionate” about a vegetable?), and the copy editor who is found “trying to be clever and not succeeding” may think twice before attempting another terrible pun. Large groups, such as “plurals,” “verbs,” “punctuation,” and “numbers,” have multiple pages devoted to them, and are broken down into simple groupings that newer students of grammar will have little trouble deciphering. Definitions of individual words are straightforward, and after a little study, you’ll have those tricky choices like “nauseous/nauseated” and “farther/further” mastered. If you think you’re past these little mistakes, remember that every example of poor usage cited by Lovinger comes from a professional–even experts can use a refresher course sometimes. –Jill Lightner

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501 Grammar and Writing Questions

This useful book is designed for anyone who needs to improve grammar and writing skills, whether at school or on the job. Divided into six sections, the book covers capitalization, punctuation, basic grammar, sentence structure, paragraph development, and essay writing. Arranged in multiple-choice format — as is commonly found on standardized tests — the questions begin with easy warm-ups and gradually become more difficult as readers become more confident in their abilities. In addition, full explanations are given for every question, allowing readers to study at their own pace.

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