Mortal Syntax: 101 Language Choices That Will Get You Clobbered by the Grammar Snobs--Even If You're Right

by June Casagrande

The only fun, friendly, and surefire defense against the grammar snobs

Having already made a name for herself with Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies , now in its fifth printing, June Casagrande returns with Mortal Syntax , taking on the 101 most frequently attacked usage choices. Dedicating one short chapter to each, Casagrande brings her subject to life, teaching English usage through lively and amusing personal anecdotes. Mortal Syntax includes such chapters
? "I wish I was taller"
? "I am continuously watching Simpsons reruns"
? "Was it Horton that heard the Who?"

Casagrande's clear and concise lessons-with entertaining titles and themes-make a potentially prickly subject go down like a spoonful of sugar.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language, Writing, Reference, Linguistics, Humor

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2008

Reviews

[Deborah Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short review (long one later, I hope): If you've ever said "I feel badly" and you weren't talking about your lousy Braille skills, you need this book. And if you've ever struggled with when to use "bring" as opposed to "take," you'll be reassured by June Casagrande's sympathetic treatment of the subject. (Hint: choosing between these two words isn't as easy as it looks.) Most important of all, Casagrande gives terrific advice about when being (grammatically) right just isn't worth the fight.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many writers of grammar guides, humorous or otherwise, June Casagrande makes many good points and clears up some things I admit to wondering about (though not very seriously or I would have looked them up). My only real trouble with this book is that there are also a lot of other words, and it's not always clear what the introduction has to do with the point Casagrande is trying to make in a particular chapter. Still, this is a handy guide to have around, and there are more than a few anecdotes and turns of phrase that made me snort or even chortle a bit.

[Jennifer Worrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty damned amusing for a grammar book, filled with entertaining tales as well as legit grammar usage tips.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rollicking, at times racy, romp through common questions in usage. It is part stand up comedy routine, part self-deprecating missive, and part grammar text. I honestly found myself laughing out loud while reading this. If I were ever to be a writer, I would be proud to have my writing likened to Casagrande's. Many entries are relevant in the creation of a workplace style guide. This one rocks!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super amusing and quite grammatically attuned.

[Lee Dunning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book quite a bit, but I would have enjoyed more grammar and fewer anecdotes. I suppose that would have made it more of a pamphlet than a book, but at times the humorous stories overpowered the subject that was the intended topic. It also reduces its value as a reference book since you have to dig through the humorous story to find the actual lesson. One nice feature, that perhaps helps, is that at the very top of the page she tells you right off the bat whether the usage discussed in that chapter is correct, wrong, or disputed. If that's enough for you then you're golden, but if you need to know the proper usage, or who falls on which side of the dispute, you'll have a bit more work ahead of you.

Is it silly to have a problem with the cover and pages? The ugly cover, and the cruddy paper quality don't take away from the content, but even so they bothered me. Penguin used some of the cheapest paper to make the cover and pages. I wouldn't have been surprised it the pages had turned yellow as the paper seemed just a tad better than newspaper. I won't deduct a star for it, since I got the book for what was written on the pages, but I would have preferred a book of the same quality as "It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences."

[Karl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Grammar Snobs. That is, I loved June Casagrande's first book; I have never loved the haughty subjects giving the book its name. Mortal Syntax, however, is no Grammar Snobs.

The concept of the two books is the same: short vignettes addressing one issue of grammar at a time is easy-to-understand ways, comparing and contrasting various authorities, and generally making people who correct your grammar look like ignoramuses themselves. This is good. However, unlike in Grammar Snobs, Casagrande indulges in many too many political rants. That is bad. Perhaps I should be more forgiving, as this was written during the George W. Bush presidency, a time when 80% of us needed to vent a bit (and I do largely share Casagrande's political views, it seems). Unfortunately, it makes the book dated and a bit tiresome at points. I will say, though, that about the book really hits its stride in the last 30 pages, which bumped my rating up from a 2 to a 2.5. I say that as though there is some science to my ratings - there is not.

Bottom line: it's an unworthy successor, but if you enjoyed Grammar Snobs, you'll like moments of Mortal Syntax. The grammar knowledge imparted is solid.

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best grammar books in the market! Linguists agree that the English language is a continually changing language. Here are some of the interesting topics that Casagrande covers in her book.

Adverb
Adverbs modify verbs, as well as adjectives and other adverbs.

Verbal
For example, 'reoccur' suggests a one-time repetition while 'recur' suggests a repetition more than once, usually according to some fixed schedule.

Noun
For example, a 'pretext' is something that is put forward to conceal a truth while a 'pretense' is a false show, a more overt act intended to conceal personal feelings.

Preposition
For example, 'on behalf of' means speaking for or representing someone else while 'in behalf of' means helping someone else.

With her witty writing style and no-nonsense explanation, Casagrande makes English grammar so much fun to read. Highly recommended!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author addresses a lot of key grammar/usage issues that really need addressing. Her initial selection, at least, seems thoughtfully chosen and focuses on the most egregious and most common errors. My major complaint with the book, though, is that her attempts to be funny (and "punny") often obscure the main point of each section. And I'm reluctant to take writing advice--even good writing advice--from an author who obscures her own writing to the point of frustrating her reader. Some of these little jokes are quite good, some are tasteless (far too many people mistake sexual innuendo for humor--let's face it folks, the shock value's all gone). But the fact that every single page has several of them just makes reading this little book absolutely tiring. Disappointing!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just so much fun. It appeals to those who love and/or want to know more about English grammar, but it's such a delight to read that I'm sure others would enjoy it too. Language is a fascinating thing, and what's considered correct or incorrect, or something in between, changes constantly. It's alive, and June Casagrande knows that. She expresses herself with simplicity. She doesn't have all the answers. But then again, no one does. That's what makes it so interesting.

Recommended for word nerds everywhere!

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Casagranade's collection of grammatical suggestions and stories are infinitely useful. She certainly cleared up a few misconceptions I had about particular grammatical structures and helped me understand why other phrases just sounded wrong to me. However the humor here often feels labored, which is a shame because when she's "on" she's absolutely hilarious. A solid piece of informative distraction.

[KR · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking to improve your basic grammar skills, I'm not sure this book would be helpful. But if you're already familiar with the basics of grammar and would like to brush up on usage or learn a few new things, this would be a good book for you. I think it's perfectly geared for editors, teachers, and some writers. If you think you have enough grammar knowledge to pick on other people's grammar, this book is for you!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could probably rate this higher if I didn't try to sit and read straight through it.

My favorite part was the example of the usage of "an historic event." The author's verdict: the completely defensible choice of obnoxious poseurs everywhere.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall interesting and entertaining, though sometimes the humor goes a little too far. Still, I enjoyed the experience and learned about some of my own grammatical mistakes that are worth correcting.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, kind of snarky Grammar book. With examples of words commonly used incorrectly, and words used correctly that people think are incorrect. Haha, was that confusing? Even if it was, just skimming through this book would be entertaining to those who know anything about the English language.

[Ruth Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Casagrande's funny and informative style in writing about the confusing aspects of our language. She addresses some of my own pet peeves, which arise from what she calls "youthspeak."

[marcali · Rating 3 out of 5]

light & slightly goofy read

[Rachel]

I plan to be a grammar snob AND an anti-snob. According to the author, grammar snobs are "big meanies."

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone needs a stern motherly figure dressed in a green M&M costume...

[Tamara · Rating 1 out of 5]

If the inane, pointless stories had been left out and the book was just the grammar stuff, it would have been quite a bit better.

[Sarah]

!

[Whitaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really great book shows us how everything is great and worth to die for

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big fun-she's both informative and hilarious.