Common Errors in English Usage - free webversion

doctorow · 05-28-2005, 07:13 AM

Paul Brians compiled an excellent list of common errors in English usage. His book is available for free from here. There is also a text-only version available here (~360Kb).

Gatton · 05-30-2005, 02:16 PM

Thanks for this one Doctorow! I admit I'm a bit of a language buff but I think many people would find this interesting. I've converted the text version and I think I'll leave it on my reader so I can enjoy it in short doses. Brians has a fun and witty style as evidenced here:

BREACH/BREECH

Substitute a K for the CH in “breach” to remind you that the word has to do with breakage: you can breach (break through) a dam or breach (violate the terms of) a contract. As a noun, a breach is something broken off or open, as in a breach in a military line during combat.

“Breech” however, refers to rear ends, as in “breeches” (slang spelling “britches” ). Thus “breech cloth,” “breech birth,” or “breech-loading gun.”

“Once more into the breach, dear friends,” means “let’s fill up the gap in the line of battle,” not “let’s reach into our pants again.”

Pride Of Lions · 05-31-2005, 02:19 PM

I also converted it for iSilo. It's such a great resource, I wonder what finally drove him over the edge of "slightly annoyed" to "I'm gonna write an exhaustive website about this."

Thanks again.
POL9A

05-28-2005, 07:13 AM	#1
doctorow Guru Posts: 914 Karma: 3410461 Join Date: May 2004 Device: Kindle Touch	Common Errors in English Usage - free webversion Paul Brians compiled an excellent list of common errors in English usage. His book is available for free from here. There is also a text-only version available here (~360Kb).

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Free and open Spanish to English dictionary for Kindle	anurag	Amazon Kindle	14	06-26-2016 02:35 AM
Free book (nook, Kindle) - Common English Bible: New Testament [Religious]	ATDrake	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	0	10-16-2010 01:24 PM
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited. DRM Free?	pdurrant	Amazon Kindle	2	08-27-2010 11:29 AM
John Ringo on why he goes with drm-free ebooks (or: How to use the English Language)	Liviu_5	News	49	09-16-2007 03:07 AM
lots of free books at Common Content	ignatz	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	0	03-22-2004 07:22 AM

05-30-2005, 02:16 PM	#2
Gatton Groupie Posts: 150 Karma: 368 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Charlotte, NC Device: Kindle Paperwhite 2021, assorted Fire tablets.	Thanks for this one Doctorow! I admit I'm a bit of a language buff but I think many people would find this interesting. I've converted the text version and I think I'll leave it on my reader so I can enjoy it in short doses. Brians has a fun and witty style as evidenced here: BREACH/BREECH Substitute a K for the CH in “breach” to remind you that the word has to do with breakage: you can breach (break through) a dam or breach (violate the terms of) a contract. As a noun, a breach is something broken off or open, as in a breach in a military line during combat. “Breech” however, refers to rear ends, as in “breeches” (slang spelling “britches” ). Thus “breech cloth,” “breech birth,” or “breech-loading gun.” “Once more into the breach, dear friends,” means “let’s fill up the gap in the line of battle,” not “let’s reach into our pants again.”

05-31-2005, 02:19 PM	#3
Pride Of Lions just kinda geeky Posts: 381 Karma: 30 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oakland, California Device: iPhone	I also converted it for iSilo. It's such a great resource, I wonder what finally drove him over the edge of "slightly annoyed" to "I'm gonna write an exhaustive website about this." Thanks again. POL9A

Advert