A handbook of rules for English usage and grammar.

Plain English is an essential tool for effective communication. Information transmitted in letters, documents, reports, contracts, and forms is clearer and more understandable when presented in straightforward terms. The Oxford Guide to Plain English provides authoritative guidance on how towrite plain English using easy-to-follow guidelines which cover straightforward language, sentence length, active and passive verbs, punctuation, grammar, planning, and good organization.This handy guide will be invaluable to writers of all levels. It provides essential guidelines that will allow readers to develop their writing style, grammar, and punctuation. The book also offers help in understanding official jargon and legalese giving the plain English alternatives.This guide gives hundreds of real examples and shows 'before and after' versions of texts of different kinds which will help readers to look critically at their own writing. Helpfully organized into 21 short chapters, each covering a different aspect of writing. Clearly laid out, and easy to use,the Oxford Guide to Plain English is the best guide to writing clear and helpful documents.

The definitive classic on crocheting for years, the first edition of Crocheting in Plain English equipped readers with easy-to-follow, friendly advice on creating their dream crochets. A lifelong crocheting teacher and designer, Maggie Righetti offered both basic principles and step-by-step instructions to get crocheters started and to perfect their techniques. In this latest edition, completely updated and revised for today's crocheter, Righetti dispenses more of her invaluable wisdom, covering virtually everything you need to know about crochet, including: * Selecting threads and yarns * Determining gauge * Working with the right tools * How to interpret patterns and instructions * Increasing and decreasing stitches * How to fix mistakes * Basic stitches (chain, double, treble, slip) * Sixteen different fabric pattern stitches * Assembling the finished product * How to block, clean, and care for crocheted articles * And much, much more! Each technique is illustrated with clear drawings, charts, or photos. Complete with a new introduction and a detailed glossary of crochet terms, Crocheting in Plain English is one sourcebook no crocheter should do without.

A handy reference guide to all parts of the C++ language--including the library functions. The book focuses on demystifying C++ and object-oriented concepts, thus living up to its name. "C++ in Plain English" uses short, simple examples and emphasizes the practical, down-to-earth purpose of each language feature, including advanced ones.

The Penguin Guide to Punctuation is indispensable for anyone who needs to get to grips with using punctuation in their written work. Whether you are puzzled by colons and semicolons, unsure of where commas should go or baffled by apostrophes, this jargon-free, succinct guide is for you.