The Wrong Word Dictionary: 2,000 Most Commonly Confused Words

Let's face it: today's schools are so busy teaching political correctness, they skip over the basics, like fundamental English grammar. Even those who once learned how to parse a complex compound sentence get confused over words like "effect" and "affect." Dave Dowling's "Wrong Word Dictionary" has compiled all these annoying little buggers into a handy, concise manual that should be kept right next to the computer. Look to your laurels, Strunk & White, Dave Dowling has a book on usage that we can really use!

I thought Dave Dowling's "Writing the Right Word" was helpful - "The Wrong Word Dictionary" takes my logophilia to another level! Dowling's latest masterpiece helps you to effectively sharpen your speech and writing skills in a painless and enjoyable way. It's a snap to find the words you're looking for and, rather than bombard you with loads of background information, the explanations are presented in a succinct and effective manner. This style allows Dowling to provide you with thousands of answers that are accessible and understandable within, literally, seconds of opening the book. The only downside is that you will regularly wish that you had the book by your side as you write emails or other documents. Solution: buy a few copies and leave them wherever you frequently sit down to write or, better yet, maybe Dowling will come out with a pill version that we could swallow and just know the right word automatically!

This book is both useful and entertaining! Most reference books are not amusing enough to keep my interest... but this reference book is humorous and smart! The Wrong Word Dictionary should be in every writer's toolbox! I can't believe how often I use this book to look up the RIGHT words. A word of caution; Make sure you can handle it when you realize, "Oh my gosh! I've been using the wrong word for years!"

Robert Browning, the 19th Century British poet, on analyzing a bishop's discourse said, "He said true things, but called them wrong names." Dave Dowling's "The Wrong Word Dictionary" goes after many of the the wrong names (confusable words) we sometimes use in our attempt to write or say "true things." By providing concise definitions of those words we are liable to confuse, this dictionary leads us to the correct word. Best of all, the papeback is small yet comprehensive in its coverage. We can carry it with us to the classroom, the office, or even to our local bar. In 234 pages, more than 2,000 problem words are clarified. For some words, distinctions are made clear with cartoon illustrations that remind us that word study can also be fun. The cartoons also serve as mnemonic devices. After we see a cartoon that illustrates what caused a noisome odor to drift into a noisy party, we are not liable to forget the difference between "noisome" and "noisy". Mark Twain said, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter--'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." Dave Dowling, in his book, does an excellent job in helping us differentiate between several "lightning bugs" and "lightning"-- and have fun doing it too. A "must have" for writers, professionals, students (including ESL students), and all English users who want to make important word distinctions quickly without having to carry a large dictionary or usage book with them.

Have you ever confused the words gone and went? Which and that? Good and well? If you have, this is definitely a must have for your bookshelf. Since I've had this book, my writing has improved tremendously. I find myself reaching for this book whenever I'm writing an e-mail, typing a paper, or just plain confused. This book is a great asset for any college student, business professional, or just the average writer. If you do a lot of writing, make sure to pick up a copy of this book. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it.