In the introduction the Fowlers state that part two is mostly just lists of examples with little exposition, they claim due to lack of space. There was only so many times I could remind myself of what a subjunctive or a participle is before I just gave up and started skimming the chapter, hoping that the next one would be better.
My Comprehensive education was anything but, and my lack of Grammar education leaves me with very little reference point for the grammar terms bandied about throughout that chapter. Only the chapter on syntax I found so impenetrable as to be unreadable. is whether the vox populi has yet declared for it when it has, there is no more to be said but when it has not, the process should be resisted as long as possible". The Fowlers are even keen to point this out themselves – unlike German and French, English is a loosely proscribed language, a hybrid language where only common usage is a requirement for it to change: "the only question about any particular word. Much of the advice is slightly dated now – the Kings referenced by the title are Edward the VII (for the first edition) and George V (for the third edition) – unsurprisingly, English as a language has moved on somewhat in those intervening years.
Each is treated thoroughly, and surprisingly wittily for a grammar book. Part one contains chapters on misuse of vocabulary, syntax, airs and graces (showing off), and punctuation. While Dickens and Charlotte Brontë come in for regular criticism, it seems that newspapers are generally held up as the worst examples of almost all faults.
#INKSLINGER KINGS ENGLISH HOW TO#
The King's English is not a guide for learning how to write though, Fowler and Fowler don't spend much time explaining the correct usage at all, instead it's a list of examples of, and corrections for, mistakes – common and uncommon – in grammar, syntax, vocabulary, etc. Fowler and Fowler present their definitive guide for the aspiring early-20th-century writer wanting to ensure the correctitude (or not) of their prose. Wh Another perfect book for the English language aficionado (or pedant). In print since its publication in 1906, this book is still an essential guide to written English and an ideal companion to Fowler's Modern English Usage.moreĪnother perfect book for the English language aficionado (or pedant).
#INKSLINGER KINGS ENGLISH PROFESSIONAL#
Written with the good sense and liveliness that is characteristic of the Fowlers, this work has given generations of students, scholars, and professional writers the solutions to problems of grammar and style.
If Dickens had owned a copy of The King's English for example, he would not have written your great ability and trustfulness he would have recognized the malapropism and realized that the context demanded trustworthiness. If Dickens had owned a copy of The King's English for example, he would not have written your great ability and trustfulness he would have recognized the malapropism and realized that the context de In this classic reference book the Fowler brothers illustrate by example all the commonly-made blunders of English usage and guide the reader to improved expression and style. In this classic reference book the Fowler brothers illustrate by example all the commonly-made blunders of English usage and guide the reader to improved expression and style.