The Handy English Grammar Answer Book

Whether it's for a professional document, a school paper, an Internet blog, or something more personal, effective communication depends on clear, concise, and grammatically correct writing. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar rules can trip up anyone, while organization and word choice can make writing memorable--or banal. The Handy English Grammar Answer Book is an engaging guide to writing with clarity for all occasions. It offers fundamental principles, grammar rules, and punctuation advice, as well as insights on writing for different occasions and audiences. From a brief history of the English language to the deconstruction--and explanation--of the different parts of a sentence, and from showing how to punctuate correctly to how to organize a well-argued essay, this easy-to-use reference answers nearly 500 questions and offers fun facts on the English language and its usage, including How did English become a language spoken worldwide? What is a sentence fragment? When do I use "that" versus "which"? How do I use materials ethically on my own websites? How do I write an outline? Several appendices, including model papers and sample writing for every occasion, a glossary of commonly used terms, a bibliography, and an index add to the book's usefulness.
"... this book is indeed handy ... 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 ..."-- Booklist

"... packed with useful tips, sample letters and documents, and examples of how to avoid common mistakes. ... a nice balance between high-level explanations of grammar and style rules, and straightforward examples of correct and incorrect usage. ... highly useful for both beginners and professionals."-- Foreword magazine

"The grammarian in your life will love owning The Handy English Grammar Answer Book, by Christine A. Hult, PhD. It's a nice reference book, ready-made for a quick look-up and argument settler."-- Bookworm Sez syndicated column

"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 ... helpful ..." -- Library Journal

"... aids in making writing memorable ... easy-to-use reference ... highly useful for both beginners and professionals." -- Christian Library Journal