Between You and I: A Little Book of Bad English

Is it possible to ""diagnose with a disease"" (as in ""She was diagnosed with cancer"") or, for that matter, to receive a ""free gift""? No on both counts, says Cochrane, another Brit with a sincere regard for the English language and a strong desire to correct those who mangle it. This brief, anecdotal, A-Z reference of common grammatical crimes covers mispronunciations, misuses, cliches and more. Though Cochrane welcomes the evolution of the English language, admitting change is inevitable, he argues that the preservation of the historical significance and origins of language is necessary in the formal and written word. Cochrane places blame for its consistent misuse on all individuals claiming to be educated. ""Almost invariably the examples come from people who ought to know better...journalists on the 'quality' newspapers, politicians, public figures of all kinds, and, sadly, many teachers,"" he writes. Besides serving as a handy desktop reference, Cochrane's book, with its detailed descriptions and discrete wit, is sure to leave any reader, and even the most confident writers, with a greater appreciation of the English language.