The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen Now
Mind the Gaffe

Mind the Gaffe

The Penguin Guide to Common Errors in English

Summary

Can anything be described as 'very real'? There are so many obstacles on the way to writing clear, precise ('accurate'?) English ('english'?) that it is a wonder ('wander'?) anyone ('any one' or 'anyone'?) can be understood. Fortunately, all those who have ever feared being shown up by using one of the twenty worst words and phrases to be avoided at all costs, or confusing the complex with the complicated, can now relax and even enjoy a trouble-shooting guide to good writing. Trask's wonderfully readable and authoritative book adjudicates on hundreds of contentious issues from politically correct language to whether to write 'napkin' or 'serviette'.

About the author

R L Trask

Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more