ENGLISH

Who Cares About English Usage?

By David Crystal

Book information

Publisher
Penguin Books Ltd
Year
2000
ISBN
0140289518, 9780140289510
Open Library ID
OL7352435M
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
16 MB (16283973 bytes)
Edition
2nd
Pages
128\64
Time added
2011-06-04 13:46:07

Description

Why do we all employ "filler" phrases like "sort of" and "you know"? what is the difference between "attractive" and "not attractive"? when is a preposition the correct word to end a sentence with? and can it ever be acceptable to boldly split an infinitive? Many people care deeply about English usage, and many more are concerned about making mistakes. In this classic guide, David Crystal surveys the key controversies with wit, common sense, some entertaining quizzes and linguist's sharp insight into the ways we actually speak and write. He explores the dispute about the word "dispute" - is it pronounced "DIS-pute" or "dis-PUTE"? - the fate of the letter T in "often", and the best way of referring to the, er, bathroom. Language, he argues, should be a tool and not our master, and it is always profoundly marked by social trends such as changing gender roles. Hopefully (if that's the right word), we can all acquire greater linguistic sensitivity without imposing on ourselves a strait-jacket of rigid conformity. This book offers both reassurance and help.

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