Grammar Girl's 101 Troublesome Words You'll Master in No Time (Quick & Dirty Tips)

Easy access for the not quite but budding academic . Helpful if you did not pay enough attention in class. If you now want to know and want to catch up

Mignon Fogarty, as 'Grammar Girl', is an essential resource for anyone who is interested in the English language. In this book she has focussed on 101 words that can cause difficulties for people (often without their realising).So:Are you sure that you know the difference between 'lay' and 'lie'?Are you prepared to accept that the woodsman's tool is both an 'ax' and an 'axe'?Would you type 'e-mail' or 'email'?What exactly does 'biweekly' mean?Can you distinguish between 'bemused' and 'amused'?These and 96 other questions are covered in an easily-read book which never talks down to its audience. Every troublesome word is carefully explained, and examples of use are taken from contemporary sources (including film and TV).In some cases there are no absolute answers. As is acknowledged at the start of the book, English is continually developing and changing. What is right today may not be right tomorrow, and the meanings of words can subtly shift over time. However, this book seeks to direct its readers to an outcome which will never be wrong, at least today, even though there may be other options. It makes recommendations but, ultimately, allows one to choose.The target audience is mainly in the US (which, I suspect, is why there are 101 words - '101' has a particular meaning in US schools and colleges which is mostly unheard of in Britain), but Mignon understands the subtle differences between the US and British versions of our common language. This book should therefore be of interest to anyone who is interested in English.I enjoyed reading the book, and I learnt from it. It is both interesting and informative, and I'm happy to recommend it to anyone.

I have read several books on word usage and have benefited from all. Mignon Fogarty's "Grammar Girl's 101 Troublesome Words You'll Master in No Time (Quick & Dirty Tips)" and "Grammar Girl's 101 Misused Words You'll Never Confuse Again (Quick & Dirty Tips)" are at the top of my list. Both books are sold for pennies as a used book on Amazon. What a deal! Fogarty's presentation in both books is simple and her explanations on based on her research using popular and dependable word usage sources. She has done the work for writers like myself who frequently get confused with words and how to use them correctly. Thanks, Mignon, for keeping words simple when they appear so difficult.

- Are you one of the people who say "Could care less" instead of correct way "Couldn't care less". That's in here and there's a helpful suggestion to help you remember which is correct.- What about putting that dash between email (e-mail is no longer correct, stop fighting to save it)- How about the darn word toward/towards. Toward is typical spelling for the US. Towards is more commonly seen in British writing.These are just 3 examples I've pulled from the book. There are plenty more and they are all helpful

Writing the simplest statement has often been a nightmare for me. No kidding. Here's but a brief glimpse as to what I go through: "Alright ('all right'?), my oldest (or is it 'eldest'?) granddaughter had just gotten (is that even a word??) into (one word? two?) her dad's Jeep for the long trek back home while I ('when I,' maybe?)--Oh, forget it!" Okay, so I'm a tad anal . . . and neurotic . . .So thank goodness for Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty, who has saved my grammatical sanity once again. Just when I thought that nothing could top her "Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing" and "Grammar Devotional" as my go-to guides when mired in writerly angst, she comes out with the jewel "Grammar Girl's 101 Troublesome Words You'll Master in No Time." And it's right on time too. I'm not sure how much longer I could have hovered on the brink.Before, I tore my style guides and other references apart, searching for guidance on the 101 troublesome (translation: crazy-making) words, but no more. Grammar Girl's much-needed and welcomed advice in "101 Troublesome Words" lays (or is it "lies"? Looked it up--it's "lays") just within reach as I bang away on my keyboard. And I feel soooo much better now, as stability is now restored in grammar world (well, at least for the moment). And you, my fellow anal/neurotics (you know who you are), will feel much better too. I promise.Thank you, Grammar Girl. Once again.

Mignon Fogarty presents grammar in such an inviting way to learn.I love all her books and excellent Podcasts.These words are easy to master. The book is nicely formatted and easy to use as a reference.Mignon uses her Quick And Dirty tricks wherever she can, which make recall reminders so much easier and fun.

I really liked reading these books; I ended up buying all of them to help me with school. I think the only thing I highly dislike about all of them is that she uses "quick and dirty tips" phrase throughout her books. It gets old real fast.Otherwise, they're an easy read and very informative.

I'm an International student and I found this book being really interesting. Yet, I must admit that I found myself being in disagreement with few "European related word-examples/statements". Other than that, it's a nice to have guide, light and easy to carry on. :-)

Mignon Fogarty does it again. Easy, understandable, and necessary help with words, punctuation, and understanding the English language. All her books are clear and concise nuggets, easy to learn and use. A great little book to have on your shelf for a writer or reader.

I am now smarter than I was before I read through this book.

Mignon is AMAZING!!!!! I enjoy her books so much!!1 Very helpful!

If you are interested in the English language, this young lady is your truest guide. I bought her books in "dead tree" form, so I could highllight.

The author supports her explanations with concise reasonings. Packed with "what's the trouble?" and "what should you do?" Fun learning.

This book is phenomenal. I always had a problem with grammar. But now I can say good bye to that, this books helps in many areas. It's simple and to the point. Even the complex problems become to easy to understand. Grammar Girl is the best book to use when it comes to grammar. I highly recommend this book!

Philips Medium Mouse Pad, Black

I always learn something about grammar from this author's books. For whatever it's worth, I think that the word "girl" in the title is misleading. It minimizes the level of expertise of the author.

Great little book, chocked full of solid, useful information. Grammar Girl does it again!