What's the Difference

by Thomas J. Baechle, David Helton (Illustrator)

In What's the Difference, the distinctions between similar words are explored. Words such as cemeteries and graveyards, cougars and pumas, oceans and seas are explained, as well as seltzer water and club soda, milk and buttermilk, buffalo and bison. Words that we frequently use interchangeably often have subtle differences, and sometimes have significantly different meanings. This book provides a fun look into the array of words in the English language that have similar meanings.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2023

Reviews

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enlightening Linguistic Exploration...

What's the Difference by Thomas J. Baechle, illustrated by David Helton, is an engaging exploration of the nuances of the English language. Baechle's precise explanations and funny commentary highlight the distinctions between frequently misinterpreted words, giving readers a better awareness of vocabulary nuances. From cemeteries to graveyards, cougars to pumas, and oceans to seas, Baechle examines a wide range of word pairings, making learning fun and accessible to readers of all skill levels. The incorporation of Helton's illustrations adds visual appeal, improves comprehension, and makes the book an enjoyable read from beginning to end. Baechle's engaging writing style, along with Helton's hilarious pictures, elevates What's the Difference from a mere instructional resource to a fascinating discussion starter and considerate gift option for both language enthusiasts and casual readers. What's the Difference, with its combination of scientific correctness and accessibility, promises both amusement and enlightenment, making it an important addition to any library. Whether you're fascinated by language complexities or simply interested about word meanings, Baechle's investigation of linguistic nuances will captivate and enlighten. Highly recommended.

[Alyssa Jastremski-mcgowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good source of information

This book offers a concise yet comprehensive guide to understanding the pain between similar concepts in English. His approach is straightforward, making hard distinctions easy through clear examples and explanations. From commonly confused words to small differences in usage, the book serves as a practical reference for writers amd people in that area. Its organized and allows for easy reading, making it a handy tool for anyone looking to better their language proficiency. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for improving clarity and precision in communication, making it a must-have for language learners.

[Nancy Retallick, Ph.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning Fun

What a fun book to share with the kids. This book is both educational and entertaining. Not overwhelming at all and values curiosity. Kids are curious about the world around them, and this book is very kid friendly. Unlike a dictionary, the book is organized by topic. The explanations are short and sweet. For example, the difference between a labyrinth and maze. This is a great road trip book.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and well put-together collection of commonly confused words. I was grateful the book landed with me soon after an after dinner discussion about the differences between a hurricane, tornado, and typhoon!! My family and I have now had quite a few fun evenings going through the book and indeed have turned to it instead of the isolating google screen for answers on several occasions.

[Cliff Baechle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fun to learn the various and correct ways to describe what we're thinking about or encountering. Tom has taken years of personal experience and questioning of words we all wonder about and placed them in an interesting collection. I no doubt will often refer to it because I won't remember all the differences!