A handy guide to problems of confused or disputed usage based on the critically acclaimed Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage. Over 2,000 entries explain the background and basis of usage controversies and offer expert advice and recommendations.

The trusted reference—now with on-the-go access Whether you're in school or out in the work world, communicating clearly and correctly is key to your success. With easy-to-understand explanations of grammar rules and plenty of real-world examples and tips, this authoritative reference is just what you need to speak and write with confidence and ease. Now more accessible than ever, this edition has been updated to include: A new chapter on punctuation, including common punctuation mistakes Expanded coverage of commonly misspelled words and variances in spelling More intuitive organization, making it easier to navigate Visual elements that enhance your understanding of specific grammar problems Free online access to portions of the book for an on-the-go reference to commonly misspelled words; common punctuation errors; variances in spelling among the U.S., the U.K., and Canada; and frequently misused words and expressions Lucid, comprehensive, and easy-to-use, this is your go-to guide to get ahead.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A sharp, funny grammar guide they’ll actually want to read, from Random House’s longtime copy chief and one of Twitter’s leading language gurus NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY O: The Oprah Magazine • Paste • Shelf Awareness “Essential (and delightful!)”—People We all write, all the time: books, blogs, emails. Lots and lots of emails. And we all want to write better. Benjamin Dreyer is here to help. As Random House’s copy chief, Dreyer has upheld the standards of the legendary publisher for more than two decades. He is beloved by authors and editors alike—not to mention his followers on social media—for deconstructing the English language with playful erudition. Now he distills everything he has learned from the myriad books he has copyedited and overseen into a useful guide not just for writers but for everyone who wants to put their best prose foot forward. As authoritative as it is amusing, Dreyer’s English offers lessons on punctuation, from the underloved semicolon to the enigmatic en dash; the rules and nonrules of grammar, including why it’s OK to begin a sentence with “And” or “But” and to confidently split an infinitive; and why it’s best to avoid the doldrums of the Wan Intensifiers and Throat Clearers, including “very,” “rather,” “of course,” and the dreaded “actually.” Dreyer will let you know whether “alright” is all right (sometimes) and even help you brush up on your spelling—though, as he notes, “The problem with mnemonic devices is that I can never remember them.” And yes: “Only godless savages eschew the series comma.” Chockful of advice, insider wisdom, and fun facts, this book will prove to be invaluable to everyone who wants to shore up their writing skills, mandatory for people who spend their time editing and shaping other people’s prose, and—perhaps best of all—an utter treat for anyone who simply revels in language. Praise for Dreyer’s English “Playful, smart, self-conscious, and personal . . . One encounters wisdom and good sense on nearly every page of Dreyer’s English.”—The Wall Street Journal “Destined to become a classic.”—The Millions “Dreyer can help you . . . with tips on punctuation and spelling. . . . Even better: He’ll entertain you while he’s at it.”—Newsday

Designed to help advance students master spoken and written English as it is actually used, this groundbreaking new dictionary provides in-depth and up-to-date coverage of basic English vocabulary, grammar, and usage. Outstanding features include nearly 100,000 words and phrases, more than 160,000 usage examples, more than 22,000 idioms, verbal collocations, and commonly used phrases, and more than 1,000 original drawings--including 16 pages of full color art. Abundant supplemental information includes 25 pages of grammar.

Created for students in grades 3-6, this updated and expanded dictionary contains more than 37,000 definitions of words kids use every day. This North American edition also contains Canadian terms and spellings.

This expanded version of the popular Random House Webster’s Pocket Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation offers a clear and precise guide to English. This version includes brand new sections on punctuation, writing, citations, pluralization, abbreviations, numbers, and more, plus quizzes for readers to test their progress and a glossary for easy reference of terms.