Things Your Grammar Never Told You: A Pocket Handbook

With its witty tone and simplicity of explanations, this pocket-sized handbook offers clear and essential editing advice. Covers all the topics covered in briefer grammar and composition handbooks. Contains coverage of word use and style topics that are often absent from other pocket-size handbooks. The latest documentation guidelines are provided, including those electronic sources. A sample paper is included in the research section. Special problems of English as a second language is covered in Chapter 1. Includes glossaries of usage and grammatical terms. An offbeat, sometimes wry, always entertaining tone allows readers to access important grammar issues in an inviting way. New accessibility features, including brief and detailed tables of contents, and new "Navigation Bars" at the beginning of each chapter, make the book easier to use. New computer tips appear throughout the book. For those seeking a brief handbook to enhance their writing and editing skills.

Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.

1. Simple Sentences.

Clarity.

Variety.

Correctness.

2. A Few Words About Words.

How Words Make Meaning.

How Usage Changes Words.

Glossary of Usage.

3. Punctuation Lite.

Don't Guess! Look it Up!

Commas.

Semicolons.

Colons Apostrophes.

Quotation Marks.

Other Punctuation.

Proofreading Marks.

4. Details, Details.

Sensible Spelling.

Miscellaneous Mechanics.

5. Your Documentation, Please.

MLA.

APA.

Chicago.

Research.

General Advice on Manuscript Format.

6. A Little Grammar (Never Hurt Anyone).

Should You Skip This Chapter?

If You Decide to Read This Chapter.

Parts of Speech.

Parts of Sentences.

Index.