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Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words: A Writer's Guide to Getting It Right
A revised and updated edition of a humorous primer on the English language, expanded for an American audience, contains entries on correct and questionable usage, a glossary, and a pronunciation guide.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
About the author
Bill Bryson
121 books20.3k followersWilliam McGuire "Bill" Bryson, OBE, FRS was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. He settled in England in 1977, and worked in journalism until he became a full time writer. He lived for many years with his English wife and four children in North Yorkshire. He and his family then moved to New Hampshire in America for a few years, but they have now returned to live in the UK.
In The Lost Continent, Bill Bryson's hilarious first travel book, he chronicled a trip in his mother's Chevy around small town America. It was followed by Neither Here Nor There, an account of his first trip around Europe. Other travel books include the massive bestseller Notes From a Small Island, which won the 2003 World Book Day National Poll to find the book which best represented modern England, followed by A Walk in the Woods (in which Stephen Katz, his travel companion from Neither Here Nor There, made a welcome reappearance), Notes From a Big Country and Down Under.
Bill Bryson has also written several highly praised books on the English language, including Mother Tongue and Made in America. In his last book, he turned his attention to science. A Short History of Nearly Everything was lauded with critical acclaim, and became a huge bestseller. It was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, before going on to win the Aventis Prize for Science Books and the Descartes Science Communication Prize. His next book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, is a memoir of growing up in 1950s America, featuring another appearance from his old friend Stephen Katz. October 8 sees the publication of A Really Short History of Nearly Everything.
In The Lost Continent, Bill Bryson's hilarious first travel book, he chronicled a trip in his mother's Chevy around small town America. It was followed by Neither Here Nor There, an account of his first trip around Europe. Other travel books include the massive bestseller Notes From a Small Island, which won the 2003 World Book Day National Poll to find the book which best represented modern England, followed by A Walk in the Woods (in which Stephen Katz, his travel companion from Neither Here Nor There, made a welcome reappearance), Notes From a Big Country and Down Under.
Bill Bryson has also written several highly praised books on the English language, including Mother Tongue and Made in America. In his last book, he turned his attention to science. A Short History of Nearly Everything was lauded with critical acclaim, and became a huge bestseller. It was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, before going on to win the Aventis Prize for Science Books and the Descartes Science Communication Prize. His next book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, is a memoir of growing up in 1950s America, featuring another appearance from his old friend Stephen Katz. October 8 sees the publication of A Really Short History of Nearly Everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
August 15, 2011
I taught middle school grammar for six years, and my favorite part of the grammar book (didn't you have a favorite part of the middle school grammar book?) was always the glossary of usage. I saved that part of the curriculum for the end of the year, like a desert that you look forward to throughout a long meal.
"Class, do you know when to use 'fewer' instead of 'less'? No? Oh, goodie."
After the joyful experience I had reading A Short History of Nearly Everything, I wanted to check out more Bryson, and when I saw this title, I knew I was going for it. This book is just what it says it is, a dictionary, and it is arranged as such. So I started with the "a/an" entry and went along all the way through"z" and onto the appendix.
It would take a pedant to write such a book, and Bryson does not disappoint. Some people might find his points to be esoteric and his tone to be that of a humorless martinet. I sure did, and I loved just about every minute of it. Here's what I learned.
1. I make many, many mistakes in my writing. Bryson could look at the four short paragraphs above and find multiple errors in usage. Look! I misspelled "dessert!" The comma after "title" in the third paragraph is suspect. I could have used hyphens to introduce the non-essential phrase ("a dictionary") instead of commas. Bryson's disapproving voice reverberates in my mind every time I write a sentence.
2. It's okay to end your sentence with a preposition. If you are the kind of person who will break his back to avoid ending your sentence with one of these offenders (or, like me, even ending with a prepositional phrase), you need to get over yourself. There's nothing wrong with it, and the rule you are following has been deemed unnecessary for over a hundred years.
3. You should read his rule on when to use "shall" versus "will."
Authorities have been trying to pin down the vagaries and nuances of "shall" and "will" since the seventeenth century... The gist of what they have to say is that either you understand the distinctions instinctively or you do not; that if you don't, you probably never will; and that if you do, you don't need to be told anyway.
4. The show Good Morning America should be called Good Morning, America. Of course it should.
"Class, do you know when to use 'fewer' instead of 'less'? No? Oh, goodie."
After the joyful experience I had reading A Short History of Nearly Everything, I wanted to check out more Bryson, and when I saw this title, I knew I was going for it. This book is just what it says it is, a dictionary, and it is arranged as such. So I started with the "a/an" entry and went along all the way through"z" and onto the appendix.
It would take a pedant to write such a book, and Bryson does not disappoint. Some people might find his points to be esoteric and his tone to be that of a humorless martinet. I sure did, and I loved just about every minute of it. Here's what I learned.
1. I make many, many mistakes in my writing. Bryson could look at the four short paragraphs above and find multiple errors in usage. Look! I misspelled "dessert!" The comma after "title" in the third paragraph is suspect. I could have used hyphens to introduce the non-essential phrase ("a dictionary") instead of commas. Bryson's disapproving voice reverberates in my mind every time I write a sentence.
2. It's okay to end your sentence with a preposition. If you are the kind of person who will break his back to avoid ending your sentence with one of these offenders (or, like me, even ending with a prepositional phrase), you need to get over yourself. There's nothing wrong with it, and the rule you are following has been deemed unnecessary for over a hundred years.
3. You should read his rule on when to use "shall" versus "will."
Authorities have been trying to pin down the vagaries and nuances of "shall" and "will" since the seventeenth century... The gist of what they have to say is that either you understand the distinctions instinctively or you do not; that if you don't, you probably never will; and that if you do, you don't need to be told anyway.
4. The show Good Morning America should be called Good Morning, America. Of course it should.
January 23, 2011
I read this book two times in about six months, so I think I'm done with the cover to cover work. I have it marked and highlighted and handy for reference.
Along with discussions of spelling and usage, Bryson includes many examples of incorrect usage from well-known publications and authors (including his very august self). The examples let you see what it looks like when it's done wrong, and you may recognize your own errors in those of other people. It's also nice to know that even the professionals make mistakes and get away with it.
Best of all, Bryson reminds us that English is a blissfully messy and uncooperative language. He encourages writers to ignore convention and flout the rules if they choose, provided they know what those rules are prior to breaking them. (If you're going to screw up, be sure it's intentional.)
Not even the experts can agree all of the time on what is right, so Bill Bryson humbly offers us this book as "a compilation of suggestions, observations, and even treasured prejudices." It's worth having on hand if you're a word geek with a lousy memory like me. I refer to it frequently.
Along with discussions of spelling and usage, Bryson includes many examples of incorrect usage from well-known publications and authors (including his very august self). The examples let you see what it looks like when it's done wrong, and you may recognize your own errors in those of other people. It's also nice to know that even the professionals make mistakes and get away with it.
Best of all, Bryson reminds us that English is a blissfully messy and uncooperative language. He encourages writers to ignore convention and flout the rules if they choose, provided they know what those rules are prior to breaking them. (If you're going to screw up, be sure it's intentional.)
Not even the experts can agree all of the time on what is right, so Bill Bryson humbly offers us this book as "a compilation of suggestions, observations, and even treasured prejudices." It's worth having on hand if you're a word geek with a lousy memory like me. I refer to it frequently.
July 22, 2017
This book definitely earns a 5 star rating, I'm just not sure who to recommend it to:
Professional writers and grammar nerds will love the book's utility; this is a resource I know I'll be returning to often. For example, if all I'm trying to do is spell or define a word then I'll pull out a basic dictionary. But what if three different words seem to have identical definitions, are there situations I'm supposed to use one word over another? Or let's say I see several respected publications handle a stylistic/grammatical choice differently, whose example do I follow? What if the experts throughout history have disagreed? Or what if modern usage differs from those expert resources? What if various countries use the same word in different ways? Bryson's guide helps to navigate these types of tricky questions.
Bryson doesn't care about following rules for the sake of following rules. This is not an arbitrary style guide. No, this book has the sole purpose of improving one's writing by taking away those things that are incorrect, confusing, or misleading. I'm paraphrasing here but the the reader should never have to re-trace their steps to figure out a sentence. The reader should be able to get from A to B with as little resistance as possible, that's what good writing is all about [certainly in journalism, anyway].
I could also recommend this book to the non-writers, non-grammar-nerds. Bryson has written a really accessible book, it's not bogged down with linguistic jargon and it always presents the ideas in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way. Even though it functions as a dictionary, I really enjoyed reading it from cover to cover. Bryson's breezy commentary makes the reading experience feel more like grabbing coffee with your brilliant writer friend than going to the library to crack open a dusty tome. Just saying, good stuff.
I would also recommend this book to anyone who fully reads the title of the book. I'm seeing negative goodreads reviews because the person was expecting something like his travelogue humor. Hmm. So just be clear, this book only, but masterfully, delivers what the front cover claims it will deliver: a dictionary of troublesome words for writers who want to get it right.
Professional writers and grammar nerds will love the book's utility; this is a resource I know I'll be returning to often. For example, if all I'm trying to do is spell or define a word then I'll pull out a basic dictionary. But what if three different words seem to have identical definitions, are there situations I'm supposed to use one word over another? Or let's say I see several respected publications handle a stylistic/grammatical choice differently, whose example do I follow? What if the experts throughout history have disagreed? Or what if modern usage differs from those expert resources? What if various countries use the same word in different ways? Bryson's guide helps to navigate these types of tricky questions.
Bryson doesn't care about following rules for the sake of following rules. This is not an arbitrary style guide. No, this book has the sole purpose of improving one's writing by taking away those things that are incorrect, confusing, or misleading. I'm paraphrasing here but the the reader should never have to re-trace their steps to figure out a sentence. The reader should be able to get from A to B with as little resistance as possible, that's what good writing is all about [certainly in journalism, anyway].
I could also recommend this book to the non-writers, non-grammar-nerds. Bryson has written a really accessible book, it's not bogged down with linguistic jargon and it always presents the ideas in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way. Even though it functions as a dictionary, I really enjoyed reading it from cover to cover. Bryson's breezy commentary makes the reading experience feel more like grabbing coffee with your brilliant writer friend than going to the library to crack open a dusty tome. Just saying, good stuff.
I would also recommend this book to anyone who fully reads the title of the book. I'm seeing negative goodreads reviews because the person was expecting something like his travelogue humor. Hmm. So just be clear, this book only, but masterfully, delivers what the front cover claims it will deliver: a dictionary of troublesome words for writers who want to get it right.
March 14, 2010
I might be starting towards lexophilia, but this book is the only dictionary/ thesaurus that I can seriously read. That is sit and read through it one word at a time. The only disadvantage is that it tends to make one nervous in one's own writing and want to check everything with Bryson just in case you have just made another almighty clanger.
It was given to my by a lovely friend and it has proven to be a delight, you can't categorize it well, it isn't really a dictionary and it's not a thesaurus either. It is a 'get out of jail free card' for those of us who would prefer to avoid making stupid mistakes in our writing. More to the point, even if you are feeling bad, Bryson will have an example of a more famous author, journalist or copywriter who has dropped the same clanger and one can at least relax in the knowledge that one is in good company.
If you write anything ,for anyone in the English language then this book should be on your shelf, or better still next to your keyboard.
September 17, 2020
This is a brilliant little book and a must read/desk companion for professional writers. Arranged alphabetically, it basically explains correct spellings, etymology and meanings of various words and the mistakes that even lovers of words and writing can make. For example when to use compliment or complement; when to parlay or attend a parley. He explains the real meaning of condone (which is not to approve or endorse but to forgive - whoops!) and takes his time over who and whom. He also explains a range of tautologies, redundancies (past history!) and misspellings - basically, the common errors that even the best writers can make. It's fun (a wee bit shocking and embarrassing) to flick through and realize you have committed a particular lexical sin, and more than once, but in typical Bryson fashion, it's also terrific to read cover to cover. This is a book that will never stray far from my desk. Promise.
June 10, 2013
I think I'm in love. Be still, my geeky, grammar- and word-loving heart! I had the satisfying experience of coming across entries that reinforced my own pet peeves (e.g. the misuse of 'fulsome,' the confusion of 'tortuous' and 'torturous'). But still more satisfyingly, I learned plenty more that I did not already knew, and also learned explanations for things that I knew only by instinct. Marvellous!
January 18, 2019
This hurt my dyslexic brain!
August 17, 2007
I really enjoyed this, but then I do sometimes read the dictionary for fun. I found Bryson’s expectations of correct usage to be insightful and realistic. I appreciate his examples of incorrect usage.
An example of something I have applied to my own writing is the entry for include. He writes, "include indicates that what is to follow is only part of a greater whole. To use it when you are describing a totality is sloppy, as here: “The 630 job losses include 300 in Redcar and 330 in Port Talbot” (Times). No one ever pointed that out to me before. Thank you, Mr. Bryson!
An example of something I have applied to my own writing is the entry for include. He writes, "include indicates that what is to follow is only part of a greater whole. To use it when you are describing a totality is sloppy, as here: “The 630 job losses include 300 in Redcar and 330 in Port Talbot” (Times). No one ever pointed that out to me before. Thank you, Mr. Bryson!
July 29, 2021
Bill Bryson has a gift. He can make the prosaic interesting and give the everyday a wry slant. He is a writer who thinks about writing and enjoys analysing same. This book is both literate and entertaining. Some words I knew about, many others not, or at least not consciously.
Some entries are not likely to be used much: Orkney, as in the Scottish islands are to be referred to as ‘Orkney’, or ‘the Orkney Islands’, not ‘the Orkneys’. OK. On the other hand we all need to know that the Nullarbor Plain, which is in Western Australia, is spelled with two ‘r’s, and is not Nullabor. And another one dear to my heart: Qantas, the Australian Airline, is an acronym, which spelled out is Queensland and Northern Territory Ariel Service, not ‘Air’ and not ‘Services’. Bryson does not mention it, but Qantas is definitely not ‘Quantas’.
There are many others: ‘kudos’ (fame or glory) is singular, as in ‘received the kudos that was his due,’ not 'were his due’. Bryson can get quite grammatical at times, for example when talking about when to use ‘that’ and when to use ‘which’. It’s quite simple: use ‘that’ for a non-defining clause and ‘which’ for a defining one. I think that's pretty clear.
My favourite entry is a small essay on dangling modifiers, which I sort of knew about sub- consciously, but after reading Bryson I see them all the time. While ‘complicated and disagreeable…they provide some compensation by being frequently amusing.’ An example; ‘Although sixty-one years old when he wore the original suit, his waist was only thirty-five’ or ‘When dipped in melted butter or Hollandaise sauce, one truly deserves the food of the gods.’
It is also well worth reading Bryson’s charming introduction, where he refers to producing the first edition of The Penguin Dictionary of Troublesome Words, noting his sensitivity to points of usage and his impetuosity in suggesting to Penguin editor Donald McFarlan that he, Bryson, should produce such a guide. Much to Bryson’s surprise, McFarlan agrees and provides a financial incentive ‘by way of advance, a sum of money carefully gauged to not cause embarrassment or feelings of overworth’, which I feel strikes a note worthy of Olivia Manning, or William Trevor at their best.
Some entries are not likely to be used much: Orkney, as in the Scottish islands are to be referred to as ‘Orkney’, or ‘the Orkney Islands’, not ‘the Orkneys’. OK. On the other hand we all need to know that the Nullarbor Plain, which is in Western Australia, is spelled with two ‘r’s, and is not Nullabor. And another one dear to my heart: Qantas, the Australian Airline, is an acronym, which spelled out is Queensland and Northern Territory Ariel Service, not ‘Air’ and not ‘Services’. Bryson does not mention it, but Qantas is definitely not ‘Quantas’.
There are many others: ‘kudos’ (fame or glory) is singular, as in ‘received the kudos that was his due,’ not 'were his due’. Bryson can get quite grammatical at times, for example when talking about when to use ‘that’ and when to use ‘which’. It’s quite simple: use ‘that’ for a non-defining clause and ‘which’ for a defining one. I think that's pretty clear.
My favourite entry is a small essay on dangling modifiers, which I sort of knew about sub- consciously, but after reading Bryson I see them all the time. While ‘complicated and disagreeable…they provide some compensation by being frequently amusing.’ An example; ‘Although sixty-one years old when he wore the original suit, his waist was only thirty-five’ or ‘When dipped in melted butter or Hollandaise sauce, one truly deserves the food of the gods.’
It is also well worth reading Bryson’s charming introduction, where he refers to producing the first edition of The Penguin Dictionary of Troublesome Words, noting his sensitivity to points of usage and his impetuosity in suggesting to Penguin editor Donald McFarlan that he, Bryson, should produce such a guide. Much to Bryson’s surprise, McFarlan agrees and provides a financial incentive ‘by way of advance, a sum of money carefully gauged to not cause embarrassment or feelings of overworth’, which I feel strikes a note worthy of Olivia Manning, or William Trevor at their best.
November 11, 2013
In my quest to read all of Mr. Bryson's books, some are easier than others. But I have to say that, for a grammar nerd who loves words, this was a joy. It did take me a long time as I didn't want to read too much at once for fear it would run out of my ears, but I learned a lot and I will be hanging onto this as a reference book for a long time to come.
Did you know the phrase is to the manner born, not manor? Oops. Me neither. Did you know a koala is not a koala bear? That one I did learn last year while preparing to visit Australia. How about that there is no such thing as one kudo? You give someone kudos or none at all. Luckily for all of us, Mr. Bryson has pulled together here a comprehensive list of the most commonly misused ("As U.S. travel abroad drops, Europe grieves" -New York Times. Really? Grieves?), misunderstood (grisly vs. grizzly), and overused words and phrases (lion's share) in writing.
As Mr. Bryson was a copyeditor at Penguin in the U.K., once or twice I did wonder if his use of a word was British, however he does note differences in American and British usage (if not spelling, and the spelling throughout and punctuation are American) so I think my guesses about those Brit-isms are likely wrong. But it is worth noting that he does elucidate a lot of British place names that an American will never need to know. However that minor inconvenience is not good reason to ignore this book. I love how he comes down on the side of reason and sense over rules and traditions (it is okay to split an infinitive, as well as end a sentence with a preposition!) but he has done his homework and cites multiple sources for any debate, and even tries to find the originator of those rather random grammar "rules," to point out how recent and ill-founded they are.
So if you've ever wondered when to use "on to" instead of "onto" or whether it is better to use "flammable" or "inflammable" when talking about a thing easily lit on fire, Mr. Bryson has you covered. If you find this book cursory and wish it were more comprehensive, he's got you covered with Bryson's Dictionary for Writers and Editors. But if you actually want to read a dictionary straight through and retain any of it, I recommend starting with this thinner volume. And if you just love words and language, you need to check out Made in America: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States and The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way.
Did you know the phrase is to the manner born, not manor? Oops. Me neither. Did you know a koala is not a koala bear? That one I did learn last year while preparing to visit Australia. How about that there is no such thing as one kudo? You give someone kudos or none at all. Luckily for all of us, Mr. Bryson has pulled together here a comprehensive list of the most commonly misused ("As U.S. travel abroad drops, Europe grieves" -New York Times. Really? Grieves?), misunderstood (grisly vs. grizzly), and overused words and phrases (lion's share) in writing.
As Mr. Bryson was a copyeditor at Penguin in the U.K., once or twice I did wonder if his use of a word was British, however he does note differences in American and British usage (if not spelling, and the spelling throughout and punctuation are American) so I think my guesses about those Brit-isms are likely wrong. But it is worth noting that he does elucidate a lot of British place names that an American will never need to know. However that minor inconvenience is not good reason to ignore this book. I love how he comes down on the side of reason and sense over rules and traditions (it is okay to split an infinitive, as well as end a sentence with a preposition!) but he has done his homework and cites multiple sources for any debate, and even tries to find the originator of those rather random grammar "rules," to point out how recent and ill-founded they are.
So if you've ever wondered when to use "on to" instead of "onto" or whether it is better to use "flammable" or "inflammable" when talking about a thing easily lit on fire, Mr. Bryson has you covered. If you find this book cursory and wish it were more comprehensive, he's got you covered with Bryson's Dictionary for Writers and Editors. But if you actually want to read a dictionary straight through and retain any of it, I recommend starting with this thinner volume. And if you just love words and language, you need to check out Made in America: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States and The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way.
January 5, 2020
It turns out that inputting a period at the end of abbreviated words like Dr., Mr., and St. are all wrong because the custom is that the punctuation is added when the last letter of abbreviation is the last letter of the full word (e.g. Dr for Doctor) but not for all other instances (e.g. Capt. for Captain). In a lengthy segment devoted to comma, which Bryson calls the "the most abused of all punctuation marks", when a second clause in a sentence could stand alone as a sentence it has to be within dashes or parentheses. In If suppositions where the sentiment ranges from being untrue to hypothetical, which are known as subjunctives, the verb should be in the subjunctive: If I were you.... However, if the expression is true or could be true then the mood should be indicative: If I was happy.... The book also explains the use of appropriate verbs in sentences with neither, the many rules surrounding the use of numbers, the importance of where to place only, the confusing distinction between who and whom, and correct usage of numerous other aspects of written English. Avoidance of tautological phrases (e.g., join together, weather conditions, and reason...is because) and phrasal verbs (e.g., sell off and cut down), and the superfluous nature of new is recommended as well. Bryson's style fluctuates between that of a supreme authority on formal written English with sharp sarcastic remarks shot mostly at pieces from The Times newspaper and a progressivist who questions the rigidness of some of the language's grammar. It'll definitely be on my desk instead on a bookshelf. Only if there had been an entry on paragraphs.
4.5/5
4.5/5
August 19, 2022
As this is a reference book, only the most committed logophile will read it from cover to cover.
The book has one section, "Troublesome Words", and an appendix, "Punctuation".
What makes this guide to correct English stand out from the cluttered shelves of similar books is two things. Bryson delivers his advice with his trademark humor that readers of any of his other books will immediately recognize. That itself leads to the second point — Bryson isn't some grammarian tucked away in the dusty stacks of an overstocked library, he's one of the most skilled and loved writers of modern English.
Any writer or logophile will want to add this guide to their collection.
The book has one section, "Troublesome Words", and an appendix, "Punctuation".
What makes this guide to correct English stand out from the cluttered shelves of similar books is two things. Bryson delivers his advice with his trademark humor that readers of any of his other books will immediately recognize. That itself leads to the second point — Bryson isn't some grammarian tucked away in the dusty stacks of an overstocked library, he's one of the most skilled and loved writers of modern English.
Any writer or logophile will want to add this guide to their collection.
December 28, 2008
What an organised mind Bryson must have, to be able to put together such a needed collection of information. I would find it hard to believe that a single person exists that wouldn't learn something from this book, I know I've been corrected on several things. I had no idea that Americans use the word 'homely' differently than Britons do, or that we shouldn't say 'I feel nauseous'.
Everyone who's serious about writing (especially journalists) should take a look at this book. I assure you that it will improve your writing.
Everyone who's serious about writing (especially journalists) should take a look at this book. I assure you that it will improve your writing.
December 21, 2021
Deep learning lightly worn.
I enjoyed the book immensely. I have a streak of grammatical pedantry in me so I do delight in reading books on grammar and right and proper usage. It’s a book that can be read simply for Bill Bryson’s wit and knowledge; it’s also an invaluable reference book when in doubt about some issue of grammar or proper use of English. It’s something to which I will often return.
I enjoyed the book immensely. I have a streak of grammatical pedantry in me so I do delight in reading books on grammar and right and proper usage. It’s a book that can be read simply for Bill Bryson’s wit and knowledge; it’s also an invaluable reference book when in doubt about some issue of grammar or proper use of English. It’s something to which I will often return.
November 3, 2014
Excellent book. There was much here I just didn't know, and a lot of other material that I might once have known but had forgotten. I actually read through the entire thing, although it would be a great browsing book for anyone who wants to write or who just loves langauge. I got several blog posts out of the interesting material I found within.
May 17, 2019
Not a book to read straight through, but a good reference book when you have usage, grammar, or spelling questions. Journalists, bloggers, or anyone else who wants to make a living by their writing or communication skills would benefit from this book.
April 6, 2019
This should be a must-read book anyone who writes professionally. However, this is not to say that others should not read it. Everyone absolutely should. One who writes professionally, not necessarily a writer or author, however, must.
Besides being a dictionary-like book, it is sarcastically funny and has hint of grumpiness that Bill Bryson is well know for. A question popped in my head after finishing it, which was put into my head by a friend: Is there any topic that Bill Bryson hasn't written about?
The answer is obviously no. He has written about everything (I think). His writing always seems like meeting a dear friend over coffee (or a drink, if you like it hard), with nothing held back. Bill Bryson does the same in this book. Of course there will be some explanations in the book which some people think Bryson is wrong about, which of course they have the right to do. This is only a guide not strict rules to be followed. And even if you are a writer who likes to break the rules, please know that you can only break a rule if you know and understand it well. Otherwise it's just plain ignorance on your part.
Besides being a dictionary-like book, it is sarcastically funny and has hint of grumpiness that Bill Bryson is well know for. A question popped in my head after finishing it, which was put into my head by a friend: Is there any topic that Bill Bryson hasn't written about?
The answer is obviously no. He has written about everything (I think). His writing always seems like meeting a dear friend over coffee (or a drink, if you like it hard), with nothing held back. Bill Bryson does the same in this book. Of course there will be some explanations in the book which some people think Bryson is wrong about, which of course they have the right to do. This is only a guide not strict rules to be followed. And even if you are a writer who likes to break the rules, please know that you can only break a rule if you know and understand it well. Otherwise it's just plain ignorance on your part.
June 19, 2017
What began as a lark as a welcome break for the old noodle after reading some mind-bending books became something much more serious.
I like books, words, and books about words. This doesn't take much brain-power - but this was different. This was quite a serious, thorough, quite complete run-through of the most common bugaboos that need addressing.
I thought Bryson was a bit overstuffy at first, but then realized how useful and relevant all his advice is. Halfway through the book, I then realized why I find his writing so elegant and smooth: he avoids all the mistakes he preaches for writers to avoid, deftly!
This book might already have had the most profound effect on me as a writer: I find myself recasting bad sentences per his guidance, avoiding non-clarity per his say-so, and considering better words and grammatical alternatives per his direction.
An achievement, this belongs on the shelves of any editor worth his or her salt.
I like books, words, and books about words. This doesn't take much brain-power - but this was different. This was quite a serious, thorough, quite complete run-through of the most common bugaboos that need addressing.
I thought Bryson was a bit overstuffy at first, but then realized how useful and relevant all his advice is. Halfway through the book, I then realized why I find his writing so elegant and smooth: he avoids all the mistakes he preaches for writers to avoid, deftly!
This book might already have had the most profound effect on me as a writer: I find myself recasting bad sentences per his guidance, avoiding non-clarity per his say-so, and considering better words and grammatical alternatives per his direction.
An achievement, this belongs on the shelves of any editor worth his or her salt.
February 5, 2015
This is an actual reference book, so I'm not sure I'll ever finish reading it.
January 6, 2020
A friend, having read an article I’d written on the topic,* recommended this book to me. I thought I’d covered all the main pain points in my nine pages. Bryson’s treatment is 230 pages long. A pedant’s pedant! I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to bring a bit more consistency to his or her writing, and to dispel sources of potential ambiguity.
I enjoyed learning that it’s filet mignon, but fillet for all other dishes. I’d never thought about it. That flak, peculiarly, is a contraction of Fliegerabwehrkanone, which is an antiaircraft gun. And that “gilding the lily” is wrongfully adapted from Shakespeare’s passage in King John (“To gild refined gold, to paint the lily . . . / Is Wasteful and ridiculous excess.”) That reminded me of the line “Pride goeth before the fall”, which is an oft-repeated yet incorrect adaptation of the verse in Proverbs. (“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”)
My one tiny issue with Bryson’s text is that his explanations aren’t always in the same order as the words. For instance, with the entry “hail, hale”, he explains hale and then hail. It’s somewhat off-putting. It happens again with “principal, principle” and similarly, elsewhere throughout the book.
Overall, an enjoyable read. And a great way to spend a Saturday morning!
* https://almossawi.com/plain-english-c...
I enjoyed learning that it’s filet mignon, but fillet for all other dishes. I’d never thought about it. That flak, peculiarly, is a contraction of Fliegerabwehrkanone, which is an antiaircraft gun. And that “gilding the lily” is wrongfully adapted from Shakespeare’s passage in King John (“To gild refined gold, to paint the lily . . . / Is Wasteful and ridiculous excess.”) That reminded me of the line “Pride goeth before the fall”, which is an oft-repeated yet incorrect adaptation of the verse in Proverbs. (“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”)
My one tiny issue with Bryson’s text is that his explanations aren’t always in the same order as the words. For instance, with the entry “hail, hale”, he explains hale and then hail. It’s somewhat off-putting. It happens again with “principal, principle” and similarly, elsewhere throughout the book.
Overall, an enjoyable read. And a great way to spend a Saturday morning!
* https://almossawi.com/plain-english-c...
February 25, 2020
This not a book you actually read, you peruse it over and over. I’m going to have to return this to the library and buy a copy of my own, to refer to over and over.
I have done the NYT Crossword puzzle every day for as long as I can remember and thought I had a pretty good grasp on the English language. Well, I don’t! I was amazed at all the errors made every day by everyone.
Lie and lay were my Mother’s pet peeve, you lay a book down, you lie in the sun. I always wanted to lay by the pool - to this day I can hear her correcting me! Toe and tow are my favorites - you toe the line but tow a boat! Preposition, anything a rabbit can do to a hill - he can run over, under, around and through it! I think I learned that in about 3rd grade. Never use a preposition at the end of a sentence - where are you going? No to needed. The book is full of this type of fun trivia about spelling, usage, grammar and origin
I have done the NYT Crossword puzzle every day for as long as I can remember and thought I had a pretty good grasp on the English language. Well, I don’t! I was amazed at all the errors made every day by everyone.
Lie and lay were my Mother’s pet peeve, you lay a book down, you lie in the sun. I always wanted to lay by the pool - to this day I can hear her correcting me! Toe and tow are my favorites - you toe the line but tow a boat! Preposition, anything a rabbit can do to a hill - he can run over, under, around and through it! I think I learned that in about 3rd grade. Never use a preposition at the end of a sentence - where are you going? No to needed. The book is full of this type of fun trivia about spelling, usage, grammar and origin
October 7, 2020
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is an awesome book that any writer should have. It is full of words we confuse and common grammar mistakes. It is really hilarious (I laugh aloud so often when reading this). There is a couple mentions of rape (from newspaper headlines used as examples & a word definition) but that is the only content. It is witty, useful, and just excellent. I definitely intend to reread it many, many times.
April 1, 2023
This book was informative and entertaining I could learned so much from it!
This was basically a dictionary but in a unique way, it was really interesting to see his examples of incorrect usage from well-known publications and authors.
I loved this book so much, I can’t wait to read all of Bryson’s works!
This was basically a dictionary but in a unique way, it was really interesting to see his examples of incorrect usage from well-known publications and authors.
I loved this book so much, I can’t wait to read all of Bryson’s works!
February 4, 2023
A useful, and well written, reference work. Bryson highlights for readers some of the common pitfalls in writing. Helpful and written with a light wit, this text should be a touchstone for students of A-Level English.
September 10, 2018
A book to dip into and enjoy. Mr Brysons' wit and writing are what bring a potentially bland word book to life.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 27, 2022
This is a dictionary and yet here I am, reading it through as though it were a narrative. Maybe that's a testament to Bryson's writing skills. I've learned a fair few things, even having been a long-time grammar nerd.
However.
His definitions are often at odds with the Oxford English Dictionary. Since they update the OED regularly, my guess is that when Bryson published this, it was current. Take his rules into consideration after you've checked a second source, as some are out of date.
However.
His definitions are often at odds with the Oxford English Dictionary. Since they update the OED regularly, my guess is that when Bryson published this, it was current. Take his rules into consideration after you've checked a second source, as some are out of date.
February 19, 2020
This is a great style and usage book, and it certainly gave me an ass whipping! I thought I was pretty good with all things grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage. I definitely was surprised by many items in this book. As a reference book I think it would be a bit tricky to use -- so many of the things that were new to me are so wrong in my head that I don't think I'd remember to double check the guide book for clarification. I hope some of the new information sticks.
May 12, 2020
As Bill Bryson makes abundantly clear with his many citations throughout this compendium to Henry Fowler and Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English, Bryson’s
Dictionary of Troublesome Words
should not stand alone on any writer’s library shelf. Rather, the two tomes should stand side by side and should cast a reciprocally respectable glow, one upon the other. Though belonging to very different eras, Fowler and Bryson are both scholars in the finest sense of the word – and their works are true works of scholarship.
As scholarly as he may be, however, Bryson has not sacrificed his sense of humor—as we can readily see in the following example on pp. 127 – 128 in his discussion of the word ‘major,’ as in “major initiative,” “major embarrassment,” “major undertaking,” and so on, (in which it) remains a severely overworked word, and thus brings a kind of tofu quality to much writing, giving it bulk but little additional flavor. Nearly always it is worth choosing a more precise or expressive term.”
To his ultimate credit, however, Bryson does not include himself among the greats in the discussion of the English language (pp. 141 - 142): “(t)he widely held belief that none must always be singular is a myth. Since Fowler, Bernstein, Howard, Gowers, Partridge, the Evanses, the Morrises, Follet, The Oxford English Dictionary, the American Heritage, Random House, and Webster’s New World dictionaries, and many others have already made this point, I do not suppose that the addition of my own small voice to the chorus will make a great deal of difference.”
Bryson’s “own small voice” notwithstanding, I would suggest that he has already gained a foothold among the greats in this particular area of scholarship.
Can Bryson be captious when he needs to be? You be the judge. On p. 146, we read: “(e)rrors caused by failure to keep track of antecedents. Few people, it sometimes seems, have shorter attention spans than the average writer. All too often he or she will confidently set out with a plural or singular noun, become distracted by three or four intervening words, and finish with a verb of the opposite number.” In all honesty, this is a point on which Bryson and I disagree. On p. 101, he suggests that ‘is’ is grammatically correct in the sentence “It is not you who is (are?) angry.” In my ‘umble opinion, ‘who’ is merely a relative pronoun—and not the antecedent to the correct verb, ‘are,’ which is ‘you.’
The same argument occurs on pp. 219 – 220, where Bryson insists that “(o)dd as ‘you who is’ may sound, it is indeed correct. Sorry, Bill, but I believe you’re dead wrong on this particular point.
However, Bryson does not leave us bereft of surprises. On p. 180, we find alongside the mention of ‘scarves and scarfs’ that “(e)ither is correct for the plural of scarf.” And on p. 91, next to ‘strived and striven,’ we find that “either is acceptable” as a past participle.
This review of Bill Bryson’s work would not be a proper review without at least one further mention of his humor. And so, on p. 205, we find that “’untimely death’ is a common but really quite inane expression. When was a death ever timely?”
No, this little book is not for the weak of mind or spirit. It also requires more memory than I now have! But I’ve already ordered a second copy—and will make a present of it to both of my children this coming Christmas.
RRB
Brooklyn, NY
12 May 2020
As scholarly as he may be, however, Bryson has not sacrificed his sense of humor—as we can readily see in the following example on pp. 127 – 128 in his discussion of the word ‘major,’ as in “major initiative,” “major embarrassment,” “major undertaking,” and so on, (in which it) remains a severely overworked word, and thus brings a kind of tofu quality to much writing, giving it bulk but little additional flavor. Nearly always it is worth choosing a more precise or expressive term.”
To his ultimate credit, however, Bryson does not include himself among the greats in the discussion of the English language (pp. 141 - 142): “(t)he widely held belief that none must always be singular is a myth. Since Fowler, Bernstein, Howard, Gowers, Partridge, the Evanses, the Morrises, Follet, The Oxford English Dictionary, the American Heritage, Random House, and Webster’s New World dictionaries, and many others have already made this point, I do not suppose that the addition of my own small voice to the chorus will make a great deal of difference.”
Bryson’s “own small voice” notwithstanding, I would suggest that he has already gained a foothold among the greats in this particular area of scholarship.
Can Bryson be captious when he needs to be? You be the judge. On p. 146, we read: “(e)rrors caused by failure to keep track of antecedents. Few people, it sometimes seems, have shorter attention spans than the average writer. All too often he or she will confidently set out with a plural or singular noun, become distracted by three or four intervening words, and finish with a verb of the opposite number.” In all honesty, this is a point on which Bryson and I disagree. On p. 101, he suggests that ‘is’ is grammatically correct in the sentence “It is not you who is (are?) angry.” In my ‘umble opinion, ‘who’ is merely a relative pronoun—and not the antecedent to the correct verb, ‘are,’ which is ‘you.’
The same argument occurs on pp. 219 – 220, where Bryson insists that “(o)dd as ‘you who is’ may sound, it is indeed correct. Sorry, Bill, but I believe you’re dead wrong on this particular point.
However, Bryson does not leave us bereft of surprises. On p. 180, we find alongside the mention of ‘scarves and scarfs’ that “(e)ither is correct for the plural of scarf.” And on p. 91, next to ‘strived and striven,’ we find that “either is acceptable” as a past participle.
This review of Bill Bryson’s work would not be a proper review without at least one further mention of his humor. And so, on p. 205, we find that “’untimely death’ is a common but really quite inane expression. When was a death ever timely?”
No, this little book is not for the weak of mind or spirit. It also requires more memory than I now have! But I’ve already ordered a second copy—and will make a present of it to both of my children this coming Christmas.
RRB
Brooklyn, NY
12 May 2020
July 24, 2018
I'm running out of Bill Bryson books to read. I've taken to reading his dictionary.
"Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words: A Writer's Guide to Getting It Right" was the author's first published book (it has undergone several updates since debuting in 1984). If you are unfamiliar with the author, then please allow this brief contextual diversion.
Bill Bryson has written several humorous, erudite and grouchy travelogues, hiking memoirs, and scientific explainers. Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Bryson moved abroad and worked as a copy editor for major papers in London. There, he daily felt the weight of the English language's pedantic rules, peculiarities and general troublesomeness. This experience led to the first edition of "Dictionary."
(Side note: Bryson likely has some genetic predisposition to writing. His father -- Bill Bryson, Sr. -- was arguably the greatest baseball writer we have ever known.)
Now, back to "Dictionary of Troublesome Words" -- which is a somewhat troublesome title for this book. This is much more a style guide in the vein of AP or Chicago. Not sure about the rules governing lay, lie or laid? Wondering about punctuation placement with regard to quotation marks and parentheses? Stressing about split infinitives? This is the guide for you.
If you don't write professionally (or as a hobby), this might be the first time you've heard of a style guide. They are invaluable, of course. The standard for American journalism is the Associated Press Style Guide, a copy of which can be found on the desk of every reporter and editor at every newspaper and magazine in the United States. Bryson's "Dictionary" isn't a replacement for any of your go-to style guides, but it is another helpful arrow in your quiver.
Note that though Bryson is a humorous fellow (though not a humerus fellow, check page 100 of "Dictionary" for an explanation), this is a serious book. It is not "The Onion's Dictionary of Troublesome Words." Bryson's career as a professional writer and his experience as a copy editor for two of the world's great newspapers qualifies him as a master of both American and British English and lends his book credibility. Even still, you'll spot the characteristic Bryson wit and breeziness throughout.
If ever you were to read a dictionary cover-to-cover, do yourself a favor and make it this one.
"Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words: A Writer's Guide to Getting It Right" was the author's first published book (it has undergone several updates since debuting in 1984). If you are unfamiliar with the author, then please allow this brief contextual diversion.
Bill Bryson has written several humorous, erudite and grouchy travelogues, hiking memoirs, and scientific explainers. Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Bryson moved abroad and worked as a copy editor for major papers in London. There, he daily felt the weight of the English language's pedantic rules, peculiarities and general troublesomeness. This experience led to the first edition of "Dictionary."
(Side note: Bryson likely has some genetic predisposition to writing. His father -- Bill Bryson, Sr. -- was arguably the greatest baseball writer we have ever known.)
Now, back to "Dictionary of Troublesome Words" -- which is a somewhat troublesome title for this book. This is much more a style guide in the vein of AP or Chicago. Not sure about the rules governing lay, lie or laid? Wondering about punctuation placement with regard to quotation marks and parentheses? Stressing about split infinitives? This is the guide for you.
If you don't write professionally (or as a hobby), this might be the first time you've heard of a style guide. They are invaluable, of course. The standard for American journalism is the Associated Press Style Guide, a copy of which can be found on the desk of every reporter and editor at every newspaper and magazine in the United States. Bryson's "Dictionary" isn't a replacement for any of your go-to style guides, but it is another helpful arrow in your quiver.
Note that though Bryson is a humorous fellow (though not a humerus fellow, check page 100 of "Dictionary" for an explanation), this is a serious book. It is not "The Onion's Dictionary of Troublesome Words." Bryson's career as a professional writer and his experience as a copy editor for two of the world's great newspapers qualifies him as a master of both American and British English and lends his book credibility. Even still, you'll spot the characteristic Bryson wit and breeziness throughout.
If ever you were to read a dictionary cover-to-cover, do yourself a favor and make it this one.
October 20, 2020
I'm working my way through this one, cover to cover, in between chapters of whatever else I am reading at the moment.
The thing I liked most about this book, is just knowing what's in it. By that, I mean if a consideration regarding correct spelling or usage should arise while writing, I hope that I will remember that the very topic was covered in this collection and I can refer to it.
On the downside, there are numerous entries that seem to be geared more towards journalists. Entries which the casual reader and writer would rarely, if ever, have the need for knowing. Plus, Bryson comes off incredibly pretentious at times, for example in his rant about the correct way to spell "barbecue".
The thing I liked most about this book, is just knowing what's in it. By that, I mean if a consideration regarding correct spelling or usage should arise while writing, I hope that I will remember that the very topic was covered in this collection and I can refer to it.
On the downside, there are numerous entries that seem to be geared more towards journalists. Entries which the casual reader and writer would rarely, if ever, have the need for knowing. Plus, Bryson comes off incredibly pretentious at times, for example in his rant about the correct way to spell "barbecue".
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