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Garner's Modern American Usage 3th (third) edition Text Only Hardcover – January 1, 2009

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Since first appearing in 1998, Garner's Modern American Usage has established itself as the preeminent guide to the effective use of the English language. Brimming with witty, erudite essays on troublesome words and phrases, GMAU authoritatively shows how to avoid the countless pitfalls that await unwary writers and speakers whether the issues relate to grammar, punctuation, word choice, or pronunciation.An exciting new feature of this third edition is Garner's Language-Change Index, which registers where each disputed usage in modern English falls on a five-stage continuum from nonacceptability (to the language community as a whole) to acceptability, giving the book a consistent standard throughout. GMAU is the first usage guide ever to incorporate such a language-change index. The judgments are based both on Garner's own original research in linguistic corpora and on his analysis of hundreds of earlier studies. Another first in this edition is the panel of critical 120-plus commentators who have helped Garner reassess and update the text, so that every page has been improved.Bryan A. Garner is a writer, grammarian, lexicographer, teacher, and lawyer. He has written professionally about English usage for more than 28 years, and his work has achieved widespread renown. David Foster Wallace proclaimed that Bryan Garner is a genius and William Safire called the book excellent. In fact, due to the strength of his work on GMAU , Garner was the grammarian asked to write the grammar-and-usage chapter for the venerable Chicago Manual of Style. His advice on language matters is second to none.
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  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004ONF70M
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 183 ratings

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Bryan A. Garner
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Bryan A. Garner (born Nov. 17, 1958) is an American lawyer, grammarian, and lexicographer. He also writes on jurisprudence (and occasionally golf). He is the author of over 25 books, the best-known of which are Garner’s Modern English Usage (4th ed. 2016) and Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts (2012—coauthored with Justice Antonin Scalia), as well as four unabridged editions of Black’s Law Dictionary. He serves as Distinguished Research Professor of Law at Southern Methodist University. He also teaches from time to time at the University of Texas School of Law, Texas A&M School of Law, and Texas Tech School of Law.

In 2009, he was named Legal-Writing and Reference-Book Author of the Decade at a Burton Awards ceremony at the Library of Congress. He has received many other awards, including the Benjamin Franklin Book Award, the Scribes Book Award, the Bernie Siegan Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Center for Plain Language.

His work has played a central role in our understanding of modern judging, advocacy, grammar, English usage, legal lexicography, and the common-law system of precedent. His books are frequently cited by American courts of all levels, including the United States Supreme Court.

His friendship with the novelist David Foster Wallace is memorialized in Quack This Way: David Foster Wallace and Bryan A. Garner Talk Language and Writing (2013). His friendship and writing partnership with Justice Antonin Scalia is depicted in the memoir Nino and Me: My Unusual Friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia (2018).

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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Customers say

Customers find the book a useful reference for English language usage. They describe the writing as clear and well-written, with an index of frequently misused words and terms. Readers find it enjoyable to read and entertaining. However, some customers have issues with the Kindle edition not being usable or having a comprehensive index.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

71 customers mention "Reference value"68 positive3 negative

Customers find the book a useful reference for English language. It contains an index of frequently misused words and terms. The book is informative and designed to help readers make decisions. Readers appreciate the scholarship tempered with common sense, excellent judgment, and thoroughness. They describe the advice as logical and clear, making it a terrific addition to their library.

"...There are five changes I'll note for this edition: (1) ranking of word usage/acceptance (1-5); (2) asterisks next to poor words; (3) new binding;..." Read more

"...In addition, the book contains a super useful index of frequently misused words and terms that I am about halfway done reading through and already..." Read more

"Literate, thorough, discriminating but never pretentious or smug...." Read more

"...One of the things I love about this book is that it assists in correct usage but actively discourages stilted use and prose...." Read more

50 customers mention "Language quality"45 positive5 negative

Customers find the book's language quality good. They describe it as a thorough, well-written dictionary that assesses proper use of American English. The book is structured like a dictionary, but each entry includes advice on how to use it. It helps improve legal writing and preciseness.

"...this book, a style manual (such as the Chicago Manual), and a good dictionary. ON THIS EDITION:..." Read more

"...In short, if your goal is to be well spoken, well written, and to do so at the highest professional levels... I would suggest taking tips from the..." Read more

"Literate, thorough, discriminating but never pretentious or smug...." Read more

"...One key to great legal writing is preciseness, and this book will aid in honing your writing and ensuring you pick the perfect word...." Read more

16 customers mention "Readability"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it's a fun, interesting read about word usages that keeps them reading even after they've already finished it. It's described as a perfect summer reading book for everyone, and it's cool just to browse through.

"...Get it. It's fun to read (as were Fowler and Strunk & White)...." Read more

"...Now I'm having fun reading about the various usages of words." Read more

"...And this book is a positive pleasure to read. You can't say that about a lot of great reference books...." Read more

"...It's also just plain fun to read. What's lacking is an easy way to find what you're looking for...." Read more

10 customers mention "Style"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style. They find it concise and well-presented, with attention to detail and meaning subtleties. The guidance provided by an expert is inspiring for those who are not familiar with style and usage.

"...I would simply not do without this book, a style manual (such as the Chicago Manual), and a good dictionary. ON THIS EDITION:..." Read more

"...topics I understand well because they are presented concisely and with style...." Read more

"...While some resource and reference books are beautifully done and well executed in their Kindle form, this one is not. Stay clear...." Read more

"...It contains an incredible degree of scholarship and attention-to-detail along with high quality paper, cloth binding, and hard cover...." Read more

9 customers mention "E-book quality"0 positive9 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the e-book quality. They say it's useless in the Kindle format and not worth buying.

"...Simply put - the Kindle version is a joke. It's a chore to use, and I've tossed in the towel! I've replaced it with a hardcopy...." Read more

"...A huge waste of time, making the Kindle edition practically useless. Let's hope someone wises up for the next Kindle edition." Read more

"Another one star review to highlight the useless Kindle version of this great reference work...." Read more

"...USELESS ON KINDLE. DO NOT PURCHASE!!!" Read more

9 customers mention "Indexed content"0 positive9 negative

Customers find the indexed content in the book lacking. They mention there is no comprehensive index or table of contents, and there is no attempt to make a useful index with clickable hyperlinks. The only index provided is for the authors' names.

"...It is a jumble mess and I feel ripped-off!. The Table of Contents doesn't help, and the only index is for the "author's names"...." Read more

"...I am an academic (engineer) and it comes in handy. However, there isn't a linked index and when you manually search for a topic, every time that..." Read more

"...It's not worth even that. There's no index, an no real hyper links to get you to the answers you want in an easy way...." Read more

"...The table of contents lacks ability for reader to locate that which the reader is searching." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2009
    The first part of this review discusses this book in general, and the second part discusses certain changes in the 3rd Edition. So feel free to skip to the second section if you're familiar with prior editions.

    Garner has done it again with this revised edition of Garner's Modern American Usage. I've used this book for several years and it has been an invaluable resource for me in my writing-intensive occupation. In fact, I doubt seriously that I've written anything substantial in the past several years without turning to this book at least once. Often, I'm pretty confident about proper usage, but turn to this book anyway for entertainment (it rarely disappoints). I usually find myself enthusiastically agreeing with Mr. Garner, and rejoicing that this source is available to settle usage disputes. For those new to this book, most of the entries address proper usage of specific words or short phrases. There are also essay entries that address grammar, style, and other issues. The essays cover a broad range of topics. For example, there is an entry on "punctuation" and another on "jargon." And any usage guide with an essay called "Airlinese" (discussing gems such as "deplane") gets my vote.

    I only recall disagreeing with Garner on minor points, such as whether to avoid the word "hopefully" altogether. I think it is a useful word and, hopefully, any stigma attached will dissipate with use (see what I did there?).

    I would simply not do without this book, a style manual (such as the Chicago Manual), and a good dictionary.

    ON THIS EDITION:
    There are five changes I'll note for this edition: (1) ranking of word usage/acceptance (1-5); (2) asterisks next to poor words; (3) new binding; (4) more entries; (5) revisions to prior entries.

    The most interesting addition is the 1-5 scale for the acceptance of words in usage. Controversial or problematic words are ranked from 1 (unacceptable) to 5 (proper), interestingly combining prescriptive and descriptive concepts. All told, so far I find it an interesting tool, but probably not world-changing. The entries, as they have in the past, describe appropriate usage in a way that is more detailed and nuanced than a scale could hope to be. In some circumstances, I see how this might clarify some issues.

    The next change that I noticed was the use of a "*" preceding words that shouldn't be used (or non-words). For example, a passage might read "although *irregardless has been used for decades, it should be shunned." (irregardless would also be in italics, like all terms under a given entry heading). I understand the reason for this, but I find it far more annoying than useful. I suppose I'll get used to it eventually, but my eye is trained to associate a footnote with an asterisk (even if I'm not used to seeing it before a word). This isn't a deal-breaker, of course; I just find it distracting. Others may like it.

    The other notable changes are pretty self-explanatory. Of course the new edition contains more entries (substantially more, in fact), and other entries are revised. I happen to like the new binding and layout. The paper seems a bit thinner, the text smaller, and the book a little taller, which results in a thinner book with more content than the previous edition.

    In sum, I recommend this book to anyone who writes, copy-edits, or who is passionate about the English language.
    70 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2014
    Are you a professional that has to write or otherwise communicate in text? Do you ever struggle with what the proper term is for odd groups of people you find the need to refer to as a group, like people from "pembina" county North Dakota? Well this book contains a comprehensive collection of every correct odd-ball term you have ever wanted to know.

    In addition, the book contains a super useful index of frequently misused words and terms that I am about halfway done reading through and already feeling totally ashamed.

    If you are like me and you find yourself in law school or in some other professional world and you have no idea how to do any of the following but would like to, this is the book for you:
    1.) How to offset sections of text in a sentence correctly using Hyphens to present a counterargument.
    2.) How to correctly write complicated sentences without using passive voice. (and when to use passive voice)
    3.) Which version of tricky words to use that are a step trickier than your usual "there, their, and they're"
    4.) If you never had any formal grammar training in school and did proofreading by "intuition" instead.
    5.) When to use numbers and when to use the words for numbers for different situations.

    And COUNTLESS others.

    In short, if your goal is to be well spoken, well written, and to do so at the highest professional levels... I would suggest taking tips from the guy that Justice Scalia talks grammar with. Brian Garner makes absolutely the finest writing texts.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2014
    Literate, thorough, discriminating but never pretentious or smug. Garner understands and, because of the language wars, makes explicit what Fowler and Messrs Strunk & White assumed that everyone knows: that communication in any form--language, music, art, whatever--requires a shared understanding of meaning. Greek may be my native language, and I may speak it as a matter of routine, but if I want to be understood by someone who has no knowledge of Greek, I must find some words and sentences upon the meaning of when he (or she) and I agree. We must agree, for example, that in certain contexts a racial or sexual epithet, no matter how innocent the speaker, will likely be understood as a deadly insult. And we usually don't want to "throw Mama form the train a kiss, a kiss. Get it. It's fun to read (as were Fowler and Strunk & White). Like most reference books it's better in print, but I have both print and Kindle and with the faster Kindle Fires (2d ed. and beyond) it works well there, too.

    Have at it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2013
    I know this book is useful to all types of writers, but I write this review as an attorney. Bryan Garner has developed a name for himself in legal writing and, although I've read some of his legal writing books, none are as helpful as Modern American Usage. I am constantly amazed at the breadth of this book; I often flip to a certain word thinking there will be no entry only to find not only an entry, but a lengthy discussion of the topic.

    As the name implies, this book teaches you how words are used, or misused. One key to great legal writing is preciseness, and this book will aid in honing your writing and ensuring you pick the perfect word. Although loose usage may be fine in casual conversation, more precise language is often needed in legal writing. One of the things I love about this book is that it assists in correct usage but actively discourages stilted use and prose. Garner advocates for simple language and, if this book is used, it will result in better writing that's easier to read. I would encourage any new attorney to buy this volume, or anyone looking to get a gift to a new attorney to buy this book. He or she will thank you later!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
    I bought this to help me with my copyediting business. Now I'm having fun reading about the various usages of words.

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  • Peter R. Snell
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book that should be on every writer's shelf
    Reviewed in Canada on April 24, 2014
    I love grazing through this book. Flip it open at any page and you'll find something interesting, from a discussion of "It is I/me" to the correct pronunciation for "Detroit."

    There's a good essay at the beginning called "Making peace in the Language Wars" in which Garner tries to balance between extreme descriptive and extreme prescriptive grammarians and linguists. Garner might be described as a "relaxed prescriptivist." Compare him with, say, the descriptivist, Geoffrey Pullman, who is also an excellent resource in this area.

    Something like Fogart's "Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for better Writing" makes for good reading on the beach. Garner's tome is better for your home shelf. It will keep you going for a long time, next to your copy of Fowler's.
  • Green Eyes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2014
    This is a wonderful book for anyone and everyone who writes - or reads! Basically, the book explains the difference between similar words and shows how words are used. Although the title refers to American usage, I generally write in British English and cannot see that there would be any reason why this book would not be useful for those outside the US.
  • エコ環境システム
    5.0 out of 5 stars 読む辞書として比類ない一冊
    Reviewed in Japan on December 3, 2012
    私は、グラマーガールという英文法を教えるサイトで、繰り返し本書が引用されているのに興味をもち、
    アマゾンで買いました。内容は、いわゆる「語法辞典」ですが、日本人の学習者が想像するような、
    ある動詞が取りうる文型の整理だとか、前置詞のイメージといったことはごく一部で、多くは、
    似た言葉の使い分けや、よくズレた意味で使われる言葉を論じたガイドブックになっています。

    たとえば、似た言葉とは、ombudsman, ombudsperson, ombudsといったもの。
    ズレた意味とは、"literal"という言葉が「文字通り」ではなく、「比喩的にいうと」という意味で
    使われてしまうことがある、などです。このような羅列は、あくまでライター向けのリファレンスだからであり、
    あまり日本人の英語学習者には得る部分がないと思われるかもしれませんが、そうでもありません。
    以下のような良さは、読む辞典として非常に適しています。

    1)実際に、出版されたフォーマルな例文が膨大に収められている
    いろいろな書き手の文が引用されているのは読み手にとって面白いですが、それが適切でない言葉の
    選び方であることも多く、ガーナーの指摘とあわせて非常に勉強になります。日本の英文読解では、
    無論、「これは駄目な文です」とは言わないわけで、例文集としても極めて大きなリソースです。
    たとえば "provided that〜"構文では、その使用例が列挙され、使い方によっては誤解を招く可能性を論じ、
    そして「実際のところ、10回のうち9回は if のほうが適切である」とします。

    2)ひとつひとつの項の論述に流れがある
    ボキャブラリーを増やすために普通の辞書を通読するのはツライです。全体の記述が統一され過ぎて、
    読んでいてもアタマが働かなくなります。それはおそらくストーリーがないからでしょう。本書では、
    たびたび古典であるFowlerのA Dictionary of Modern English Usage (1926)などが引用されるなど、論述に
    流れがあり、ロジカルな網羅性よりも、読んで理解することに重点がおかれています。たとえば、
    "Inelegant Variation" (文章中の同一物を凝った言い換えをすることによって、文意がわかりにくくなること)
    では、「Fowlerは "Elegant Variation" としているが、それは彼が、これを美しいとしたからではなく、
    当時の "elegant" は今と違って軽蔑的な言葉だったからだ。したがって本書は"Inelegant" とした」
    とありますが、こういった論述がたくさんあり、飽きません。

    3)アメリカのライターにとって、標準的なリファレンスになっている
    これは英語学習者の読み手として、実は大切です。それは、書かれていることが100パーセント
    合っているかどうかではなく(無論間違いはないほうがいいが)、少なくとも、アメリカ英語の
    きちんとした書き手は、本書に書かれたような知見や物の考え方を知っていて、そこから言葉の
    使い方を判断していると言えるからです。したがって、本書によって彼らの言葉の選び方の裏側を
    覗くことは、英語を学ぶなかでの理解力の醸成に非常に有意義です。

    長々と書きましたが、つまり「読むのが楽しい英語の辞典を読むのは英語学習の喜びだ」ということでしょうか。
  • Grammarcop
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2017
    THe standard. Not sure why anyone bothers with Fowler anymore.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars excellent
    Reviewed in Japan on February 1, 2011
    とても役に立ついい本です。
    この内容がこの価格で買えるのは本当に得した気分です。
    英語で書く必要があるなら持っていていい本です。