Misadventures in the English Language

Overview

With plenty of informative examples, learn which rules of English are worth remembering—and which are simply hot air

This book looks at some of the controversial aspects of English usage—grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation—and tries to assess what matters and what doesn't. Looking at why it pays to be precise in punctuation—the hackneyed examples of "Let's eat Grandma" and "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" show how a comma can make all the difference—why tautologies are simply annoying; and how corporate speak can actually mean nothing at all; this book covers the aspects of the English language that could leave you with cause for concern. It also considers where we are now, appraising the invention of new words—from kidult to piscetarian. By turns an explanation of the rules, a rant against gobbledygook and other modern horrors, this book will aid you in avoiding embarrassing clichés and jargon, and help you put your words in the right places.

Reviews

"The perfect gift for anyone who speaks English." —Lancashire Evening Post

"Pleasantly diverting." —Guardian

"Fascinating . . . perfect for anyone obsessed by wordplay." —Yours magazine

"This book aims to fill you in on the stuff you wish you'd been taught at school." —Times

"This 'essential cornucopia' aims to inspire you to use uncommon words in their original context, in order to utilize the English language to it's full potential, and to test yourself on words you think you already know."  —Bookseller on 500 Words You Should Know

"Exploring well-known proverbs, their origins, meanings and relevance to life today, this is a fun and fascinating book to dip into, written by an author with a neat sense of humour." —Choice Magazine on An Apple a Day

Author Biography

Caroline Taggart is the author of the bestselling I Used to Know That, The Classics: All You Need to Know, An Apple a Day, and Her Ladyship's Guide to the Queen's English.