Many people, from those for whom English is the mother tongue to those in the early stages of learning English as a second language, finds the language's ambiguity, complexity and common misuse a source of confusion on some occasions. Is there a full stop after "Mr"? Is the Queen Charles' mother or Prince Charles's mother? Do you "inquire", "enquire" or just "ask"? This A-Z companion aims to provide the answers in acceptable - Standard English. A living language is constantly changing and this book offers a fully up-to-date guide to punctuation and idiom, style, spelling and syntax for the browser as well as the seeker. The many examples from newspapers and magazines including the "New Statesman's 'This English'" column provides illustration. This reference book will act as a guide for everyone using written English for pleasure, profit or necessity.
