The Handy English grammar answer book

Not to use a cliché, but this book is indeed handy. If you want to know when to avoid such clichés, how to stay on track with a term paper, or write a proposal, you'll find an answer in this guide. Short, interesting chapters cover topics like knowing when to use -able or -ible, using punctuation properly, and spelling plurals correctly. Not only does this volume focus on language structure and mechanics but also features chapters on academic, science, humanities, and business writing. Written in a conversational style, the book is well organized and easy to read. This grammar guide distills a lot of technical grammar rules into a digestible format directed toward a wide audience and those new to the English language.--Adams, Jennifer Copyright 2015 Booklist

Beginning with the history of language and its relationship to specific cultures and peoples, Hult (emerita, English, Utah State Univ.) reviews Old, Middle, and Modern English; regional dialects; American English variations; and slang, alternating between first-, second-, and third-person voices despite continually stressing the use of the third person in formal writing. The preface, introduction, bibliography, 12 appendixes, and index were omitted from the review copy, but according to the table of contents, the appendixes include irregular verbs, idioms, homophones, common misspelled words and grammar issues, and sample bibliographic styles. In-text cross-references are inconsistent; however, the index may resolve this access issue. The bulk of the book appears intended for the native English speaker yet some chapters seem to be more appropriate for the English as a Second Language (ESL) student/instructor. Sidebars alternate between reinforcing a specific point and offering tips or additional information. Chapters on academic composition, writing in the arts and humanities, the social and physical sciences, business writing, and electronic communications are especially helpful. Hult employs the question-and-answer format to summarize the main points of a grammar text, addressing such questions as: "What is a linking verb? What is a compound sentence? How do I use quotation marks when suggesting skepticism or sarcasm? How do I know if a website's information is up to date? How do I use sources to support my own arguments? How do I write a white paper? How is grammar affected by new media?" She also provides updated guidelines for academic and business writing, electronic and social media communications, and common difficulties experienced by ESL students. VERDICT While helpful, this is not a replacement for much more extensive traditional grammar texts.-Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., -Sherman, TX © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.