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How to Speak and Write Correctly
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171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1910
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3,102 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Devlin
40Ìýbooks12ÌýfollowersLexicographer.
NB This is not the same person as Joseph Devlin (1871-1934), the Irish journalist and MP.
NB This is not the same person as Joseph Devlin (1871-1934), the Irish journalist and MP.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 4, 2014
"Every person of intelligence should be able to use his mother tongue correctly. It only requires a little pains, a little care, a little study to enable one to do so, and the recompense is great."
PROs:
* Lots of good information without wasted words
* Contains more than just grammar, such as the history of the English language
* Huge list of the best authors, poets, and books
CONs:
* Some outdated usage of words, such as "thou" and "thee" (was written in 1917)
* Entire sections are now almost irrelevant, such as the letter writing section
* Not enough examples to solidify definitions and usage
* Becomes tedious and hard to concentrate on towards the middle of the book
* Much of the advice is common sense, such as "read the masters"
"In employing the long sentence the inexperienced writer should not strain after the heavy, ponderous type. Johnson and used such a type, but remember, an ordinary mortal cannot wield the sledge hammer of a giant. Johnson and were intellectual giants and few can hope to stand on the same literary pedestal.."
The book starts out as a nice refresher on the parts of speech, something almost all of us learn but few remember. The usage of these words, such as adverbs and prepositions, came back to me with relative ease after reading the short definitions provided. The problems arose when the book got into more technical detail, such as instead of simply "verbs", there are "transitive/intransitive verbs" + the tenses, etc. One example to describe what a noun is is fine, but only one example for the more tedious parts of speech simply isn't enough. It got to the point where I was lost because he was using terms that he didn't solidify into the reader's mind, making me skim large portions of the book.
The first half of the book is pretty much grammar review, then it goes into letter writing, which is almost completely useless today. The most interesting part of the book was actually the end where it went over the history of the English language and how it developed. There is also a very large section where he goes through the works of literary giants such as and and shows that they are surprisingly filled with mistakes that the average person wouldn't notice. This part, although slightly interesting, was much too pedantic for me.
My favorite part of the book was actually the short list of greatest authors, poets, and books. The problem is, he merely listed names instead of explaining why they were included. It would have been nice to hear his reasoning on why he chose who he chose, such as what makes each writer uniquely great, or what makes certain books stand above the rest.
Overall, I would not recommend this book unless you absolutely don't want to spend any money. There are probably far better and more updated books for less than $3. The book does a lot of things, but none of them particularly well, and too much of it is useless for the modern reader.
"In the works of , the most wonderful genius the world has ever known, there is the enormous number of 15,000 different words, but almost 10,000 of them are obsolete or meaningless today.."
PROs:
* Lots of good information without wasted words
* Contains more than just grammar, such as the history of the English language
* Huge list of the best authors, poets, and books
CONs:
* Some outdated usage of words, such as "thou" and "thee" (was written in 1917)
* Entire sections are now almost irrelevant, such as the letter writing section
* Not enough examples to solidify definitions and usage
* Becomes tedious and hard to concentrate on towards the middle of the book
* Much of the advice is common sense, such as "read the masters"
"In employing the long sentence the inexperienced writer should not strain after the heavy, ponderous type. Johnson and used such a type, but remember, an ordinary mortal cannot wield the sledge hammer of a giant. Johnson and were intellectual giants and few can hope to stand on the same literary pedestal.."
The book starts out as a nice refresher on the parts of speech, something almost all of us learn but few remember. The usage of these words, such as adverbs and prepositions, came back to me with relative ease after reading the short definitions provided. The problems arose when the book got into more technical detail, such as instead of simply "verbs", there are "transitive/intransitive verbs" + the tenses, etc. One example to describe what a noun is is fine, but only one example for the more tedious parts of speech simply isn't enough. It got to the point where I was lost because he was using terms that he didn't solidify into the reader's mind, making me skim large portions of the book.
The first half of the book is pretty much grammar review, then it goes into letter writing, which is almost completely useless today. The most interesting part of the book was actually the end where it went over the history of the English language and how it developed. There is also a very large section where he goes through the works of literary giants such as and and shows that they are surprisingly filled with mistakes that the average person wouldn't notice. This part, although slightly interesting, was much too pedantic for me.
My favorite part of the book was actually the short list of greatest authors, poets, and books. The problem is, he merely listed names instead of explaining why they were included. It would have been nice to hear his reasoning on why he chose who he chose, such as what makes each writer uniquely great, or what makes certain books stand above the rest.
Overall, I would not recommend this book unless you absolutely don't want to spend any money. There are probably far better and more updated books for less than $3. The book does a lot of things, but none of them particularly well, and too much of it is useless for the modern reader.
"In the works of , the most wonderful genius the world has ever known, there is the enormous number of 15,000 different words, but almost 10,000 of them are obsolete or meaningless today.."
October 30, 2011
If you merely read chapter 10 of this book, that alone will give reason for why i gave it 5 stars. The first three or four chapters are forgetable and can be skipped. It only tells of the grammar lessons everyone learned in elementary school.
Letter writing was so much more dignified back when Devlin wrote this book. He gives great example sentences and lots of tips that I find useful today. A lot of the suggestions are outdated, but instead of being useless they just show how far the craft has fallen in the last century.
Letter writing was so much more dignified back when Devlin wrote this book. He gives great example sentences and lots of tips that I find useful today. A lot of the suggestions are outdated, but instead of being useless they just show how far the craft has fallen in the last century.
January 15, 2020
A very practical book, though it was written a century ago, it is a good choice for people interested in writing, this book can be considered a reference to go back to when needed.
The part which was pure grammar, it's rules and examples was a bit boring, but other parts like the last two chapters (The English language) and (Masterpieces of Literature) were amazing and highly recommended.
The part which was pure grammar, it's rules and examples was a bit boring, but other parts like the last two chapters (The English language) and (Masterpieces of Literature) were amazing and highly recommended.
January 22, 2021
I thought that this book was good
October 20, 2010
Definitely got me thinking more about how I use language, although I was proud to recognise a lot of the errors mentioned. It was dated in some parts, and seemed to repeatedly talk about speaking and writing simply, with an excess of long words.
Some of my favourite quotes:
'You can be joyful, playful, jocose, give vent to your feelings, but never stoop to low language and, above all, to language savouring in the slightest degree of moral impropriety.'
'Describe what you saw yesterday-a fire, a runaway horse, a dog-fight on the street.'
'If you are a woman throw aside the pen, sit down and darn your brother's, your father's, or your husband's socks, or put on a calico apron, take soap and water and scrub the floor.' (on what to do if you fail at your desired journalistic career).
Some of my favourite quotes:
'You can be joyful, playful, jocose, give vent to your feelings, but never stoop to low language and, above all, to language savouring in the slightest degree of moral impropriety.'
'Describe what you saw yesterday-a fire, a runaway horse, a dog-fight on the street.'
'If you are a woman throw aside the pen, sit down and darn your brother's, your father's, or your husband's socks, or put on a calico apron, take soap and water and scrub the floor.' (on what to do if you fail at your desired journalistic career).
December 7, 2022
How can I review a book to help people write better? It is an oxymoron (?).
You need to know all those details of English grammar to understand some parts of the book. Many of them had a Greek name and root, and I was happy to add new Greek words to my vocabulary.
I was surprised to find out that the expression "is all Greek to me" comes from Julius Cesar.
The author clearly states that those with many diplomas are not the best writers; you need to have it inside you to be exceptional. The majority of the best authors had zero or very little formal education.
Good chapters about slang, and how to write for newspapers; actually, this book is packed with small diamonds here and there.
You need to know all those details of English grammar to understand some parts of the book. Many of them had a Greek name and root, and I was happy to add new Greek words to my vocabulary.
I was surprised to find out that the expression "is all Greek to me" comes from Julius Cesar.
The author clearly states that those with many diplomas are not the best writers; you need to have it inside you to be exceptional. The majority of the best authors had zero or very little formal education.
Good chapters about slang, and how to write for newspapers; actually, this book is packed with small diamonds here and there.
December 22, 2012
Having ordery and structured sentences are indicative of an orderly and structured mind. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time remembering all the rules of written and spoken English taught in high school. This little book is a great tool to keep many of those rules at the forefront.
Yes, some of the rules seem rather dated, the use of which would make you sound more like a Victorian-era English teacher thn an educated middle American. None the less, the theories and principles found in these pages are priceless, and if used properly, are sure to reward the reader with a confident presence and an attentive audience.
Yes, some of the rules seem rather dated, the use of which would make you sound more like a Victorian-era English teacher thn an educated middle American. None the less, the theories and principles found in these pages are priceless, and if used properly, are sure to reward the reader with a confident presence and an attentive audience.
April 20, 2021
4 Star Educational tool
I purchased this simply because I have to take public speaking and writing to graduate from my Social Work Program. I needed this as an educational tool to aide my writing and speech. Being a 43 year college student is daunting having been 25 years since school. I need all the help I can get.
I just wish we could still put out books in groups on our kindle like I was able in 2011. I would love to mark one "Education" and keep this in it on hand at any time.
I purchased this simply because I have to take public speaking and writing to graduate from my Social Work Program. I needed this as an educational tool to aide my writing and speech. Being a 43 year college student is daunting having been 25 years since school. I need all the help I can get.
I just wish we could still put out books in groups on our kindle like I was able in 2011. I would love to mark one "Education" and keep this in it on hand at any time.
April 16, 2013
I hope to now speak and write correctly by eliminating errors I have been making!:)
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
January 21, 2016
A fantastic book that will help anybody who wants to improve their English and it's usage.
May 25, 2016
Must read for any who loves English language
July 18, 2022
How to Speak and Write Correctly
by Joseph Devlin
The book which I will suggest to you folks today is an exceptionally captivating and extremely fascinating book the substance of this book will make you fall head over heels for this book.
How to Speak and Write Correctly by Joseph Devlin Certainly got me pondering how I use language, even though I was pleased to perceive a ton of the mistakes referenced. It was dated in certain parts and appeared to more than once discuss talking and composing basically, with an abundance of long words.
Assuming you simply read part 10 of this book, that by itself will give justification for why I gave it 5 stars. The initial three or four parts are forgettable and can be skipped. It just recounts the syntax illustrations everybody learned in grade school.
An exceptionally reasonable book, however, it was composed 100 years back, it is a decent decision for individuals keen on composition, this book can be viewed as a kind of perspective to return to when required.
Letter composing was a lot nobler back when Devlin composed this book. He gives extraordinary model sentences and bunches of tips that I track down valuable today. A ton of the ideas are obsolete, yet rather than being pointless they simply show how far the art has fallen somewhat recently.
Overall, THIS IS A MUST-READ. Written cautiously, this book is something that will be a joy to peruse and I prescribe you to peruse it. This book is certainly worth the buy and worth the read.
Book Review By bookloverbiswa
by Joseph Devlin
The book which I will suggest to you folks today is an exceptionally captivating and extremely fascinating book the substance of this book will make you fall head over heels for this book.
How to Speak and Write Correctly by Joseph Devlin Certainly got me pondering how I use language, even though I was pleased to perceive a ton of the mistakes referenced. It was dated in certain parts and appeared to more than once discuss talking and composing basically, with an abundance of long words.
Assuming you simply read part 10 of this book, that by itself will give justification for why I gave it 5 stars. The initial three or four parts are forgettable and can be skipped. It just recounts the syntax illustrations everybody learned in grade school.
An exceptionally reasonable book, however, it was composed 100 years back, it is a decent decision for individuals keen on composition, this book can be viewed as a kind of perspective to return to when required.
Letter composing was a lot nobler back when Devlin composed this book. He gives extraordinary model sentences and bunches of tips that I track down valuable today. A ton of the ideas are obsolete, yet rather than being pointless they simply show how far the art has fallen somewhat recently.
Overall, THIS IS A MUST-READ. Written cautiously, this book is something that will be a joy to peruse and I prescribe you to peruse it. This book is certainly worth the buy and worth the read.
Book Review By bookloverbiswa
March 12, 2018
I have no idea why I ended up having this book on my shelf to read...but I decided to take a look at it. It really is a great book about how the English language is constructed and how to properly use the correct forms of words in your writing and speaking.
The first part of the book was fairly interesting to me, but it very quickly becomes an in-depth analysis of verb conjugations and sentence structure. It would be a fantastic reference book, and one that I think a lot of people would benefit from reading; however, it is basically just a text book and not one you should just sit down and read for enjoyment.
The first part of the book was fairly interesting to me, but it very quickly becomes an in-depth analysis of verb conjugations and sentence structure. It would be a fantastic reference book, and one that I think a lot of people would benefit from reading; however, it is basically just a text book and not one you should just sit down and read for enjoyment.
March 25, 2018
It's an interesting book. But it was published in 1910 and it hasn't gotten old well quite well. As a non-native, living in the UK speaker, sometimes it is difficult which parts still remain relevant. Yes, part of speech, yes, general advice on how to write and how not to write, on the value of simplicity and correctness. But the specific examples, and all the Thou, thee stuff, seems archaic to me except for when I read things in religious services.
If you're a non-native speaker, or even a native speaker trying to improve, I don't think this a relevant book.
If you're a non-native speaker, or even a native speaker trying to improve, I don't think this a relevant book.
April 6, 2018
Good but traditional.
The book is good to learn English language.
It is small, concise and to the point. The author has given many examples where people generally make mistakes. This is very useful. You can relate and many times see yourself in those.
But, sometimes it becomes boring. The explanation seems very technical. It becomes hard to keep the pace.
Still a good one. I would recommend this as a reference book. Keep referring to this from time to time to keep your English skill polished.
The book is good to learn English language.
It is small, concise and to the point. The author has given many examples where people generally make mistakes. This is very useful. You can relate and many times see yourself in those.
But, sometimes it becomes boring. The explanation seems very technical. It becomes hard to keep the pace.
Still a good one. I would recommend this as a reference book. Keep referring to this from time to time to keep your English skill polished.
November 19, 2017
Yes, some of the advice is archaic and obsolete; on the other hand, some of Devlin's insights and suggestions are as valid and pertinent as they were a hundred years ago. To be honest, I like the archaic bits as well; they demonstrate how the language has evolved (or, in some cases, devolved). It was interesting to see that even the greats sometimes struggled with grammar and style. The last chapter, "Masters and Masterpieces of Literature" was particularly enjoyable.
July 19, 2022
I was hovering between three and four stars on this one. Admittedly, the explanations of grammar, albeit most likely simple, flew over my head on account of me not having studied it in school to much length. However, practical and applicable advice abounded, which I will be undoubtedly be applying to my writing in the future; particularly, the idea of using simple, clear, concise, pithy language over overly bombastic lexis. An interesting read.
November 21, 2016
I read this on kindle's public domain books and really enjoyed it besides the fact that paragraphs would sometimes repeat when I went to the next page. I recommend this book to those interested in bettering your understanding of speech!
September 29, 2018
It's a wonderful book to have, which interrelates topics of English grammar, like how noun and adjectives are related and how parts of speed and subject verb agreement is used to make good sentences. It's wonderful. I hope, I read more books like this, in future to boost my English
January 16, 2020
There were some good parts to this, I particularly enjoyed the etymology of words and where our language has come from towards the end of the book. Overall a pretty good reference book on correct English usage although some is now out of date.
December 18, 2020
Interesting, useful but old
This is an interesting, useful but old book about modern English. I can still learn a lot from this book but some of them are obviously obsolete. I am interested in the books and writers recommended in the end of this book. I will try to read more.
This is an interesting, useful but old book about modern English. I can still learn a lot from this book but some of them are obviously obsolete. I am interested in the books and writers recommended in the end of this book. I will try to read more.
July 16, 2021
All the grammar knowledge can be better found in the internet nowadays, and the rest, like letter writing, is not useful anymore. I give it 2 starts instead of 1 because the author expresses himself well and it is well written.
August 16, 2021
An interesting book full of invaluable information about grammar
This book is absolutely full of invaluable information on the grammar of the English language.It is full of invaluable ideas on how to keep your own language fresh.
This book is absolutely full of invaluable information on the grammar of the English language.It is full of invaluable ideas on how to keep your own language fresh.
February 1, 2023
Some of the information is outdated.
There was no formatting in my version so it’s very difficult to get through.
It would have been three stars with proper formatting because there are still some solid gems in there.
There was no formatting in my version so it’s very difficult to get through.
It would have been three stars with proper formatting because there are still some solid gems in there.
August 19, 2017
Interesting when compared with other books
April 22, 2018
Profound
A good guide book to help those who so desire to speak and write English correctly. Profound and highly recommended.
A good guide book to help those who so desire to speak and write English correctly. Profound and highly recommended.
April 3, 2018
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August 6, 2018
A significant portion of this book is outdated.
September 5, 2019
not recommended for foreign English learners, as we even don’t know how to be wrong in writing and speaking. but i also know grammar terms, known authors and books
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March 23, 2020Great job in a small book.
It's a very good book. We hardly find such a great literature in small book. Great. A great job by the publishers.
It's a very good book. We hardly find such a great literature in small book. Great. A great job by the publishers.
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