Index to English

Now in its eighth edition, this widely popular handbook of American English has been brought up to date with new usage entries, revised recommendations that reflect current practice, and illustrative passages drawn from recent publications--books, popular magazines, learned journals, and newspapers. Written in the lively style that has helped it become a standard resource, Index to English presents in alphabetical order well over six hundred entries dealing with rhetoric, grammar, style, organization, paragraphing, sentence structure, fallacies in reasoning, punctuation, diction, and usage. Entries on particular words and constructions (gender, looking to, reason is because) distinguish between formal, general, and informal styles, and entries like Business letters offer advice on special kinds of writing. Extensive cross-referencing enables readers to find what they need quickly and easily. A versatile guide to standard written English, the Index is an essential sourcebook for students of composition and an invaluable desk-reference for all writers.