In Defence of Plain English

This indispensable guide to the English language belongs beside the dictionary in every Canadian home. Written in an easy-to-understand light-hearted style, the content of the book is nevertheless serious and important. Our language is declining; illiteracy is rampant. Worse, the sloppy, incorrect use of language is perpetrated by educators, the media, politicians, and others who should be setting a good example.Besides giving simple illustrations of the correct use of grammar and choice of words, the author deals with the commonest offences: language misused, mis-spelled, and misunderstood, and the appalling use of words (usually incorrect) that many people consider sophisticated or "e;classy."e;Using actual quotations from essays of university students, the media, and even "e;good"e; books, the author clearly defines bad English and explains in a straightforward manner how to change it to good English. What makes this book unique is its complete lack of pretentiousness and its powerful plea for the return of plain English.