The Right Word

'Affect' or 'effect'? 'Right', 'write' or 'rite'? 'Soul' or 'sole'? 'Pawn' or 'porn'? English can certainly be a confusing language, whether you're a native speaker or learning it as a second language. This is the essential reference to help people master its subtleties and avoid making mistakes.

Divided into three sections, The Right Word first examines homophones, those tricky words that sound the same but are spelled differently. Entries are organised alphabetically, with meanings and examples (including colloquial ones) being given to facilitate correct use. The book then looks at words that often confuse – childish vs. childlike, incredible vs. incredulous, for example – before providing a list of commonly misspelled words.

It's a book that deserves a place on every bookshelf: at home, in the study and at the office.