What's the singular of paparazzi? Is graffiti singular or plural? What about kudos? Should I say empathic or empathetic? Is it a couple of dozen or a couple dozen? What's the correct pronunciation of concierge? Or schism? Or flaccid?In this book of crisp, precise, and often witty pronouncements on modern American English, Bryan Garner decisively answers these and thousands of other questions that bedevil those who care about the language. Garner draws on massive evidence to support his judgments, citing thousands of examples--good, bad, and ugly--from sources such as The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal, and Newsweek.No one can browse through the book without sharing the authors spirited awareness of how words work and his relish for exposing the affectations that bloat our language. And even if you don't have the time for browsing, but simply want a quick answer to an editorial riddle, this book is your best bet.

"Excellent. Garner extends the reach of the prescriptive Fowler and the descriptive Merriam-Webster."--William Safire, The New York Times "The most succinct and sensible advice on American usage to come down the pike in a long while."--The San Diego Union-Tribune "Although Garner's manual is full and learned, his entries are quick and get to the point, easy to understand and nicely cross-referenced. He is also fun to read. A number of good books on usage have come out over the years, but Ive been unable to say of any of them, 'This is the one'--until now."--Austin American-Statesman (Texas) "More consistently entertaining and approachable than the more formal Merriam Webster and New Fowler's."--The Baltimore Sun "A superlative book."--Arizona Republic "Excellent. Garner extends the reach of the prescriptive Fowler and the descriptive Merriam-Webster."--William Safire, The New York Times "The most succinct and sensible advice on American usage to come down the pike in a long while."--The San Diego Union-Tribune Although Garner's manual is full and learned, his entries are quick and get to the point, easy to understand and nicely cross-referenced. He is also fun to read. A number of good books on usage have come out over the years, but I've been unable to say of any of them, 'This is the one'--until now."--Austin American-Statesman (Texas) "A superlative book."--Arizona Republic "More consistently entertaining and approachable than the more formal Merriam-Webster and New Fowler's."--The Baltimore Sun

Bryan A. Garner, a noted lawyer and lexicographer, has written extensively on the English language and the language of law. His earlier books include A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage, The Elements of Legal Style, and The Winning Brief. He is Editor-in-Chief of Black's Law Dictionary and President of LawProse, Inc., a Dallas-based company that provides continuing-legal-education seminars to lawyers nationwide.