Random House English language desk reference

From The Critics

The first section of this unique resource deals with grammar, usage, and punctuation. Included are an extremely readable lesson on the parts of speech, definitions and examples of types of phrases, a lesson on sentence construction, discussions of shifts (e.g., tense, voice, perspective) and parallel structures, a glossary of approximately 350 words and homonyms that are frequently confused, a lesson on punctuation, and a guide to avoiding sexist language Part 2 is a vocabulary builder, in which users are provided with a short test to determine their levels of vocabulary and pronunciation ability; lessons on using prefixes, suffixes, and Latin and Greek roots; short etymologies for 200 words that are then used in vocabulary-building tests; definitions and mastery tests for words imported from French (30), Italian (23), Spanish (16), and Latin (8); definitions and mastery tests for special words (slang, jargon, dialect, and Britishisms); and 12 word puzzles designed as vocabulary builders Part 3 is a thesaurus of synonyms and antonyms for approximately 3,800 words (synonyms for each entry are grouped and numbered to indicate which are most appropriate for the common sense of the headword). Part 4 is a rhyming dictionary in which rhyming words are provided for approximately 3,000 one-and two-syllable word sounds. A two-page poetic terms glossary is also included. The last part is a desk dictionary that provides syllabication, pronunciation, part of speech, variants, and short definitions for approximately 30,000 words Libraries are likely to already own many books that treat the topics covered here at greater length. Libraries that own a thesaurus, a desk dictionary, and basic style manuals need not purchase. However, the variety of information here makes this book useful for home and school use.