Usage Dictionary

The usage, typography, and style advice I discuss rely on my research using Garner’s Modern English Usage, Usage and Abusage, The Elements of Style, The Chicago Manual of Style, New Oxford American Dictionary, the Online Etymology Dictionary, and the Google Books Ngram Viewer. For some topics I also reference the Publication Manual of the APA, AP Stylebook, and The Elements of Typographic Style. My opinions lean toward a prescriptive expression of written English, which does not mean I enjoy a Scrooge-like affinity for pointless and outdated rules, but rather that I study linguistic change with a critical eye; I discourage muddling seemingly similar words, blurring meanings of opposite forms, and swapping standard spellings. In good faith, my articles seek to encourage logical prose that is clean, clear, precise, and consistent. I try to add a few entries every month, though that can range wildly. It all depends on what usage discrepancies I notice, what questions I have (I also reference this resource), what I feel like writing about, and how much time I have. If you have suggestions or corrections, please use the means of contact listed in my about page.

The below alphabetical navigator may aid your search, especially as this dictionary continues to grow, though you are welcome to peruse the entries at your leisure.