100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses (The 100 Words)

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Summary: I still get confused by LIE and LAY....
Review: ...and I've finally found something I can keep close at hand for moments like that. 100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses is an awesome reference source that takes up very little desk space and is easily kept handy for moments when you are wondering whether you are seeking a "discreet" or "discrete" affair, or if a combustible gas is "flammable" or "inflammable." Moreover each entry carefully explains the origins of the word, the controversies over usage, and the proper context for a particular use of a word. Every entry has a note, although some of the notes are cross-references to another word where the full explanation is found ("flammable" for example, references "inflammable"). This is a great gift for the student or writer in your life, or for anyone who cares about correct word usage!

Rating:
Summary: Not bad - but somewhat lacking
Review: I really enjoyed much of the book and learned something from it. The best thing about the book is the detailed information presented on some words as to how they are used and why they were chosen. This adds a great deal of interest and information. The biggest shortcoming of the book is that only some of the words have explanatory information - and one is left to wonder why some other words even made it and what is the point of their being there. Given that it is such a short book and has only 100 words chosen for it, one wonders why more detailed and interesting information wasn't included for all of the entries. I'd say the writers just got lazy and used many of the 100 words for "fill". Given its price, it isn't bad, but it isn't what it could and should have been with just a tiny bit more effort.

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Summary: My compliments to a perfect complement to writing well.
Review: If you've ever had the argument with yourself or another whether it was "insure" or "ensure" you know that after a minute of deliberation - they both seem correct. This book gives comprehensive definitions and usage examples for word sets like these, and always casts the tie-breaking vote, so you can write with more confidence with a minimal amount of research time.

This is a great book for even the most confident and competent writer, and for a tiny volume packs a big punch, requiring almost no time to fully explore usage conventions for commonly misused words, then offering concise, decisive advice as to which word in the pair most aptly applies, including, as is sometimes the case with "insure" and "ensure," when both may be technically correct, but one is preferred. Clearly cross referenced, thorough, and easy to use, the 100 words are well chosen and presented.

A lot of little reference books, especially word books, seem to be written more for novelty or get mired down in a lot of frippery, but this book is an actual workhorse, something that will get used, and often. A great book for anyone who writes for business or pleasure, as well as students and even copy editors. I've only had it two weeks and already use it more than my dictionary. I highly recommend this to anyone.

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Summary: A Great Gift For Students And Writers Of All Ages
Review: Should you use affect or effect, principal or principle, discrete or discreet. This book explains 100 words such as these which are confused and misused. Students and business writers will be able to enhance their standings and their self confidence using this book as a handy reference. The book is affordable and would even make a good stocking stuffer. Most likely you will buy two copies, one for a student and one for yourself.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended
Review: The whole family can readily appreciate 100 Words Almost Everyone Misuses & Confuses: the format lends to browsing but highlights and outlines selected 100 words, presenting their definitions, common usage, and examples. The focus on how these selections are commonly misused adds impact and clarification.