Misadventures in the English Language

This book looks at some of the controversial aspects of English usage--grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation--and tries to assess what matters and what doesn't. Looking at why it pays to be precise in punctuation--the hackneyed examples of "Let's eat Grandma" and "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" show how a comma can make all the difference--why tautologies are simply annoying; and how corporate speak can actually mean nothing at all; this book covers the aspects of the English language that could leave you with cause for concern. It also considers where we are now, appraising the invention of new words--from kidult to piscetarian. By turns an explanation of the rules, a rant against gobbledygook and other modern horrors, this book will aid you in avoiding embarrassing clich s and jargon, and help you put your words in the right places.

Caroline Taggart is the author of the bestselling I Used to Know That, The Classics: All You Need to Know, An Apple a Day, and Her Ladyship’s Guide to the Queen’s English.