Vocabulary book - common misused words

New vocabulary book, "Words You Thought You Knew: 1001 Commonly Misused and Misunderstood Words and Phrases"

Nothing makes a person appear more ridiculous than incorrectly using a word in conversation or writing and having the listener or reader pick up on it.   

The vocabulary book "Words You Thought You Knew" . . . features words and phrases people hear and use every day - often incorrectly. Is it "could care less" or "couldn't care less"? What is the difference between "allude" and "elude"? Is it "toe the line" or "tow the line"?  

Forget six-syllable vocabulary words found only on college entrance exams that people never use! Writer Jenna Glatzer takes a humorous approach to help readers avoid verbal slipups by featuring succinct definitions and sentence examples of common but troublesome words. This unique collection also includes a fun quiz to test readers' mastery of the words they thought they knew!

by: Jenna Glatzer Release Date: December, 2003, Media: Paperback

Amazon.com's Price: $8.95 Amazon.com prices subject to change. Order Today Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

User Comments

A mixed bag; useful if cross-referenced

First off, there are some good things here. Words that are endlessly misused, for example. Words that are truly difficult to differentiate because the differences are more in the connotation than in the actual definition. Words that are often or can be easily used confused. Words nobody bothered to teach you how to understand and use correctly.

Then again, there are also words that should not be in here at all. Words no one cares about (pneu.... -- who cares!). Words that are used too infrequently to be a part of a book like this (bunghole, confit).

This vocabulary book is fine as one of many references, simply because it does have a number of misused words in one place. But be aware that it has errors and tends to be too narrow in its definitions. You will need other resources. Check what you read here against other sources before you take it to heart.

Did I Say That Right?

Words You Thought You Knew is fun, witty and engaging.  While I enjoyed
reading it immensely, I also learned a few things in the process,  such as the
correct use for the word unbelievable.  Unbelievable is commonly used as a synonym for fantastic or great, when it actually means that something is not believable or not the truth.  Each entry is followed by a short anecdote on the proper use of the word.

After reading Words You Thought You Knew the reader will have a better command of the English language and a better writing advantage.   You may not be able
to apply your new found knowledge among the general population because the
commonly misused words are widely accepted as correct.  Words You Thought You Knew  is a reference book that every writer and public speaker can benefit from