Usage and Abusage

Which is preferred - nom de plume, pseudonym, or pen name? What are neologisms, disguised conjunctions, and fused participles? Language enters into almost every part of human life and yet it is all too often misused: directness and clarity disappear in a whirl of clichs, euphemisms, and wooliness of expression.

This classic work, now in its third edition, takes a long, hard look at the use - and constant misuse - of English. Declaring war on bad grammar, woolliness of expression and poor choice of vocabulary, Usage and Abusagesets out both to highlight problems and pitfalls and to offer constructive advice on the proper use of English.
Which is preferred - nom de plume, pseudonym, or pen name? What are neologisms, disguised conjunctions, and fused participles? Language enters into almost every part of human life and yet it is all too often misused: directness and clarity disappear in a whirl of clichs, euphemisms, and wooliness of expression.



Janet Whitcut has revised Eric Partridge's popular reference book to reflect the language of well-informed writers, readers, and speakers today. She has also added a section to the book entitled "Vogue Words," which includes words that have acquired a new power and influence.