Origins of the Specious: Myths and Misconceptions of the English Language

 (35 customer reviews)

Another great offering from my favorite grammar maven, once again teaming up with her husband Stewart. The writing, as one expects from this duo, proceeds apace with wit and insight, dispelling a myth here and granting permission there. I was so relieved to know that I can split my infinitives at will and end my sentences with a preposition - and that I am in superbly historic linguistic company when I do. The word and phrase origins are fascinating. I guarantee this one will settle more than a few late night arguments - best to keep it right by the bed - or behind the bar.

If you love language, you won't find a better guide through the twisting alleys of English than Pat O'Conner. Since her first book, Woe Is I, through the current Origins of the Specious, Pat never fails to write fascinating and fun examinations of the English language. With a keen eye for the aspects of grammar, usage, and syntax that are most interesting, she points out little-known facts and etymologies of how we speak, and why we speak the way we do. And Pat is no stuffy grammarian, insisting that the old usages be maintained if they don't serve us well to communicate clearly. In this book, she debunks so many misused word, phrases, and idioms, some of which have commonly-believed origins which she explains, as well as misconceptions about usage, in particular the way some grammarians have tried to adhere to Latin grammar only to increase confusion and frustration about proper English usage. If you have an interest in language, get a hold of this book. And while you're at it, you...Read more

I am a fan of Woe is I, Updated and Expanded 3rd Edition: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain EnglishUpdated and Expanded 3rd Edition and Woe is I Jr.: The Younger Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English but this book on language myths and misconceptions tops them both. It is so interesting and informative that I read it cover to cover in one sitting and have already gone back to some sections. How many words Eskimos really have for snow (p. 146) and how ivory towers got to campus from the Old Testament (p. 166) are two favorites. And I'm mentally bookmarking the nuanced history behind "call a spade a spade" (p. 126). It's a great example of the thoughtful...Read more