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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Help on using Garner's Modern American Usage

Hello there. I am a non-native speaker. I am trying to write English Fiction. I recently purchased Garner's Modern American Usage (third edition). I am trying to understand how to write perefct english for publishing standards. I think my errors have to do with usage and style. I recently read an excellent book called The Sense of Structure: Writing from the Reader's Perspective by George Gopen. By structure is good. It's a good book for native speakers. My word choice is not.

So here I am asking for which topics in the table of contents should I read. I will try to read as much as I can but what concepts do I need to master. I liken this question as how to use Garner's Modern American usage. It is not friendly for non-native speakers. I feel intmidated.

Is there a web-page someone can direct me that explains how to use it for style and usage? Thank you very much!

I guess what I need is a introduction on it's proper use for my purpose (usage and style) and how to use it as a non-native speaker.
  

Top answer

I agree that it is good for native English speakers. In my opinion, it may not be a good book for what you want to do right now. In my opinion, what you should do is twofold.

  • I agree that it is good for native English speakers.
  • In my opinion, it may not be a good book for what you want to do right now.
  • In my opinion, what you should do is twofold.
  • First, learn about word choice by reading more in English.
  • Read as many examples of good writing as you can, in as many styles as you can.
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1 Answers
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I agree that it is good for native English speakers. In my opinion, it may not be a good book for what you want to do right now. In my opinion, what you should do is twofold. First, learn about word choice by reading more in English. Read as many examples of good writing as you can, in as many styles as you can. Then your writing will start to approach the writing of native English speaking write

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