The Handy English Grammar Answer Book

Researching, writing, and citing. Hiring, firing, and selling. Texting, blogging, and posting. Proper grammar and usage for every occasion is explored through nearly 500 answers to common questions on English grammar and language. The first, best place to turn for an overview of English grammar!


Whether you are writing a term paper, a scientific article, a résumé, a business email, a text message, or presenting information in the social media, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book is an engaging guide to writing with clarity. 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 language begin?
How did English become a language spoken worldwide?
What is Middle English?
How did Noah Webster affect the English language?
What efforts have been made toward reforming spelling?
Are there any language universals?
What is an adverb?
What is a compound sentence?
What is a dialect?
What is jargon?
What is a noun?
What is a split infinitive?
What is passive voice and when should you avoid it?
Why are English words so hard to spell?
What is the i-before-e rule
How do I use commas correctly in sentences?
When should I use parentheses?
How do I use capitalization on the Internet?
When do I use “that” versus “which”?
What types of dictionaries are there?
How do I find the right level of formality in my writing style?
What is a sentence fragment?
What is a misused modifier?
Should I use its or it's?
What is academic writing?
What is the difference between primary and secondary research?
How do I respect copyright laws?
How do I use materials ethically on my own websites?
What is plagiarism and how do I avoid it?
How do I plan a structure for my term paper?
How do I write an outline?
How do I avoid writer's block?
What is considered good essay form?
How do I write business emails?
Should I include personal data in a résumé?
What is “netiquette”?
How do I write an effective blog?


For speakers and writers of all ages and skill levels, The Handy English Grammar Answer Book brings you straightforward explanations, tips on avoiding and fixing grammatical mistakes, as well as numerous examples of good writing. This helpful book includes an appendix of model papers, letters, and sample writing for every occasion—from business or social communications to academic papers or Internet forums. Appendices on irregular verbs, idioms, homophones, prepositions, frequently misspelled words, wordy phrases, frequently confused word pairs, and other common mistakes bring a deeper understanding to readers. There is also a glossary of commonly used terms, a bibliography, and an index.