Essentials of English grammar : the quick guide to good English, third edition

AClear, concise, and packed with lively examples, -- A quick reference for people with the occasional question and an excellent primer for anyone learning the basics, this edition of the perennial bestseller features a new glossary of grammar terms, updated coverage of stylistic conventions, and new examples. Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface Acknowledgments Part I: Essentials of Grammar 1 Parts of Speech Nouns Pronouns Verbs Adjectives Adverbs Prepositions Conjunctions Interjections 2 Punctuation and Punctuation Style End Marks: Period, Question Mark, Exclamation Point Comma Semicolon Colon Quotation Marks Apostrophe Hyphen Dash Parentheses Brackets Ellipses Italics 3 Sentences and Sentence Patterns Sentences, Fragments, and Run-Ons Phrases and Clauses Subject and Predicate Sentence Constructions 4 Capitalization, Abbreviations, and Numbers Capitalization Abbreviations Numbers 5 Spelling and Word Division Spelling Guidelines Word Division Part II: Style Considerations 6 Sentences Use Clarity and Meaning as the Criteria for Good Sentences Include Only One to Two Ideas in Each Sentence Vary Sentence Patterns to Avoid Monotonous Use of Any Particular Construction 7 Brevity Avoid the Phrases There Is and There Are Condense Clauses Beginning with Which, That, or Who into Fewer Words Strike Out the Article the Wherever Possible Eliminate Wordy and Redundant Phrases and Expressions 8 Clarity Keep Words Fresh Keep Words Specific and Concrete Keep References Clear Keep Structures Parallel 9 Accuracy Double-Check Figures, Dates, Specifications, and Other Details Be Sure That All Names, Titles, and Abbreviations Are Spelled Properly Verify the Accuracy of Direct Quotations Make Sure That Ideas Are Presented Clearly Make Sure Your Work Is Neat and Legible 10 Gender-Inclusive Language Nouns and Pronouns Alternative Noun Forms Suffixes ess, ette, ix, and ienne/ine Social Titles Salutations Occupational Titles Appendix A: Principal Parts of Irregular Verbs Appendix B: Verb-Preposition Combinations Appendix C: Frequently Confused Words Appendix D: Frequently Misspelled Words Glossary A B C D E F G H I J L M N P Q R S T V Index A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

Perplexed by prepositions?

Stymied by semicolons?

Solve the puzzle of good grammar.

A quick reference for people with grammar questions and an excellent primer for anyone learning the basics, Essentials of English Grammar features a glossary of grammar terms and updated coverage of stylistic conventions.

Easy-to-follow examples guide you through the rules for parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, frequently confused words, and much more. Also included are important style tips on how to write with economy, clarity, and accuracy.

An indispensable, easy-to-use reference to the English language, Essentials of English Grammar includes information on:

Grammar Essentials

• Parts of speech and their functions
• Pronoun-antecedent agreement
• Common errors in using verb tenses
• Correct use of punctuation and punctuation style
• Sentence constructions
• Errors to avoid with prepositions
• Spelling and word division
• Correct use of capitalization, abbreviations, and numbers

Style Considerations

• Effective sentence patterns
• Brevity in writing
• Using words that are specific and concrete for clarity
• Achieving accuracy
• Salutations and titles
• Gender-inclusive language

Appendixes

• Principal parts of irregular verbs
• Verb-preposition combinations
• Frequently confused words
• Frequently misspelled words

L. Sue Baugh is the bestselling author of numerous books on grammar usage and writing.

Clear, concise, and packed with lively examples, Essentials of English Grammar, Third Edition , fills you in on general usage rules for parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, numbers, word division, spelling, commonly confused words, and much more. It also includes style guidelines with tips on how to write with economy, clarity, and accuracy. A quick reference for people with the occasional question and an excellent primer for anyone learning the basics, this edition of the perennial bestseller features a new glossary of grammar terms, updated coverage of stylistic conventions, and new examples. A reference to the English language and for people with grammar questions. It features a glossary of grammar terms and coverage of stylistic conventions. It includes examples that guide you through the rules for parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, frequently confused words, and much more