Garner's Modern American Usage,   ISBN:9780195382754

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The third updated edition of GARNER'S MODERN AMERICAN USAGE offers a new feature: a "Language-Change Index" which registers where each disputed usage in modern English falls into a range from non-acceptability to acceptability. This is the first usage guide to incorporate such a language-change index and makes for a powerful addition to any college-level literary reference collection.

Customer Rating: 

I'm now on my Third Edition of Garner's incredibly useful guide to the English language as used by Americans, and I have to say that this book has a great characteristic: when you need it to settle a dispute about a particular form of usage, you can gently point someone else to GMAU and note that Mr. Garner takes account of the fact that language evolves. Because he does, and because you can show examples in GMAU in which he acknowledges that once-unacceptable language is now accepted, your statement "But not THAT expression--at least not YET!" has a chance of being heard by the other person. It's really hard to tell someone else that his or her grammar or usage is just not good enough for medium-formal writing without sounding like a grammar snob. But you've got Garner on your side--and he's not a snob.

And this book is a positive pleasure to read. You can't say that about a lot of great reference books. Bryan Garner is a rare wit in addition to a rare intellect.

Sometimes, when I'm dealing with a particularly tone-deaf editor (why do they take jobs in the press, anyway?), I just anonymously mail them a copy of GMAU. Oops, now my secret is out!

Customer Rating: 

I consult this book almost daily, confident that I will find clear, wise, and intelligent entries as I write essays, fiction, or tomorrow morning's lecture. It is the best book on American usage ever produced and, for those of us who love language, it is also fun and instructive to leaf through. I recommend it highly.

Customer Rating: 

Though part of my career was spent writing, I have found myself referring to "Garner's Modern American Usage" even more in retirement. It's hard to imagine a better reference when the time comes to write letters to editors, corporations, or politicians. Far from intimidating, Brian's style makes finding an effective and precise way to express a point an enjoyable experience. As an acknowledged expert on style and usage, Brian's guidance inspires those of us who are not professional writers with the confidence to pursue tasks we would otherwise fear to attempt.

Customer Rating: 

GMAU is undoubtedly the best of its kind. GMAU3 is better than GMAU2. Whenever I have questions about English usage, it's the first dictionary I check.