www.geist.com/books/or-which-and-why -
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Published on: 10/14/2007
Last Visited: 10/14/2007
By Evan Jenkins
...
Evan Jenkins collected and expanded material from his column in the Columbia Journalism Review to create That or Which, and Why (Routledge), a clear and succinct guide to English language, grammar and usage.The book is intended for writers and readers at all levels, and it lists, in alphabetical order, common problems such as when to use a and when an, the difference between have to and got to, the impossibility of former native and a discussion on whether to use whether or whether or not.Jenkins's approach to language is practical, and it seems informed by two guidelines: common sense can get you through many grammar problems, and the most important things in communication are clarity and understanding.His democratic approach may infuriate purists, especially on topics such as "try to" and "try and," both of which Jenkins accepts because they are so widely used and understood, despite logical problems with "try and," but this is what makes the book so palatable for the rest of us.
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