Caroline Taggart

Misadventures in the English Language

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Details

Imprint: O'Mara Books

Publication date: 03/11/2016

ISBN: 9781782436478

Subject: Non-Fiction

Category: Language

Binding: Hardback

Size: 198 x 129 mm

Extent: 192 pages

Territorial Rights: World (All Languages)

Edition Status: Out of Print

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Summary:

Misadventures in the English Language 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 your 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; how corporate speak can actually mean nothing at all; and why naughty, awful, sophisticated and virtue are all words that have evolved to mean something completely different, this book covers all the aspects of the English language that could leave you with cause for concern.

It also considers where we are now, appraising (and often praising) the invention of new words – from kidult to piscetarian – including internet-led abbreviations such as JK and IMHO. By turns an explanation of the rules, a rant against gobbledygook and other modern horrors, this book will aid you in avoiding embarrassing clichés and jargon, and help you put your words in the right places, finally enabling you to revel in the richness of the English language.

Reviews for New Words for Old:

'Pleasantly diverting' Guardian
'Fascinating ... perfect for anyone obsessed by wordplay' Yours magazine

Reviews:

The perfect gift for anyone who speaks English

Lancashire Evening Post

Sales points:

  • Covers the controversial aspects of the English language – grammar, vocabulary and punctuation – and its usage and evolution

  • With plenty of informative examples, the book assesses what is worth remembering and what is simply hot air

  • Also looks at the invention of new words and changing meaning as new ideas and technologies emerge

  • The ideal book for lovers of language everywhere

  • From the Sunday Times bestselling author of My Grammar and I (or should that be ‘Me’?)

  • The follow-up to 500 Words You Should Know and New Words for Old

  • Comparative titles: 500 Words You Should Know (9781782432944), pub date: 25/09/2014 New Words for Old (9781782434726), pub date: 05/11/2015

About the Author:

Caroline Taggart

Caroline Taggart worked in publishing as an editor of popular non-fiction for thirty years before being asked by Michael O'Mara Books to write I Used to Know That, which became a Sunday Times bestseller. Following that she was co-author of My Grammar and I (or should that be 'Me'?), and wrote a number of other books about words and English usage. She has appeared frequently on television and on national and regional radio, talking about language, grammar and whether or not Druids Cross should have an apostrophe. Her website is carolinetaggart.co.uk and you can follow her on Twitter @citaggart.