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The Grouchy Grammarian: A How-Not-To Guide to the 47 Most Common Mistakes in English Made by Journalists, Broadcasters, and Others Who Should Know Better
Do you commit apostrophe atrocities?
Are you tormented by the lie/lay conundrum?
Do you find yourself stuck between floaters and danglers?
Do your subjects and your verbs refuse to agree?
If so, you're not alone. Some of the most prominent professionals in TV broadcasting and at major newspapers and magazines-people who really should know better-are guilty of making all-too-common grammatical errors. In this delightfully amusing, clever guide, Thomas Parrish points out real-life grammar gaffes from top-notch publications such as the New York Times and the New Yorker to illustrate just how widespread these errors are. With red pen in hand, Parrish's fictional friend the Grouchy Grammarian leads the charge, examining the forty-seven most common mistakes in English and imparting the basics of good grammar with a charming mixture of fussiness and common sense. All of which makes The Grouchy Grammarian the most entertaining, accessible how-not-to guide you'll ever read.
Are you tormented by the lie/lay conundrum?
Do you find yourself stuck between floaters and danglers?
Do your subjects and your verbs refuse to agree?
If so, you're not alone. Some of the most prominent professionals in TV broadcasting and at major newspapers and magazines-people who really should know better-are guilty of making all-too-common grammatical errors. In this delightfully amusing, clever guide, Thomas Parrish points out real-life grammar gaffes from top-notch publications such as the New York Times and the New Yorker to illustrate just how widespread these errors are. With red pen in hand, Parrish's fictional friend the Grouchy Grammarian leads the charge, examining the forty-seven most common mistakes in English and imparting the basics of good grammar with a charming mixture of fussiness and common sense. All of which makes The Grouchy Grammarian the most entertaining, accessible how-not-to guide you'll ever read.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 18, 2009
I wish books like these had quizzes on the first few pages, so one can just flip to the sections that illustrate what they're having problems with. I liked how this pointed out the *mistakes* because I would often read one and go, "What's wrong with that?"
On page 44, there is an error. No, really, there is. The book has thus far been consistent in italicizing the words or phrases that have been used in the incorrect manner, and yet, in the second-to-last paragraph, the word "dye" is not italicized. (The author is pointing out how it should be "die" in the phrase "tool and die" and not "dye" as in hair dye.)
And another one is located in the first paragraph of page 45. Again, they forgot to italicize "discrete."
I would also have liked it if every chapter has a Grouch's Reminder.
In addition, at one point in the book the "Grouchy Grammarian", the schick for the whole book, wonders aloud if it wasn't the Atlantic who published a certain error, and the "real writer" had to add a footnote saying it was, indeed, the Atlantic. COME ON. We all know the gimmick, and this correction of the character happens only once in the book; it serves no purpose because we know the character of the Grouchy Grammarian isn't supposed to be real.
On page 44, there is an error. No, really, there is. The book has thus far been consistent in italicizing the words or phrases that have been used in the incorrect manner, and yet, in the second-to-last paragraph, the word "dye" is not italicized. (The author is pointing out how it should be "die" in the phrase "tool and die" and not "dye" as in hair dye.)
And another one is located in the first paragraph of page 45. Again, they forgot to italicize "discrete."
I would also have liked it if every chapter has a Grouch's Reminder.
In addition, at one point in the book the "Grouchy Grammarian", the schick for the whole book, wonders aloud if it wasn't the Atlantic who published a certain error, and the "real writer" had to add a footnote saying it was, indeed, the Atlantic. COME ON. We all know the gimmick, and this correction of the character happens only once in the book; it serves no purpose because we know the character of the Grouchy Grammarian isn't supposed to be real.
March 9, 2017
Excellent refresher on some common (and not-so-common) grammar issues. Most of the information is still relevant, which is key with language and usage texts. This book has particularly strong sections on subject-verb agreement (which I learned is called "concord"), the use of "of," and when to use to vs. when to use which.
Two topics I thought could have benefitted from more examples and analysis are the sections on who/whom and irony.
I am left to wonder though whether this grouch is a real person or an M. Night Shamalamadingdong plot twist personality disorder. Or should I say, order.
Two topics I thought could have benefitted from more examples and analysis are the sections on who/whom and irony.
I am left to wonder though whether this grouch is a real person or an M. Night Shamalamadingdong plot twist personality disorder. Or should I say, order.
June 19, 2018
Written in a chatty style, continuous text where bullet points would help. Still, I liked the chapter on "lead poisoning" - it drives me nuts when the past tense of "to lead" is written as "lead" not "led" so three cheers for that.
May 29, 2010
Funny and useful - the reference to the Grammarian gets a little annoying, but the examples are very helpful.
December 29, 2012
Can totally commiserate
May 5, 2015
At one point, author Thomas Parrish's persnickety friend, the grammar hawk referred to in the title, likens a well-constructed sentence to an automobile engine. Others may prefer Parrish's own analogy of a well-furnished room. Automobile engines suggest a highly specialized knowledge, something intimidating for those without vocational training. Pretty much anybody can set up a room that looks nice, however, and enjoy the results. A well-furnished room is a room that has everything one might need while seeming empty and spacious. Likewise, good prose has the feel not of something dense or impenetrable, but of something easy to apprehend quickly and digest. Parrish assumes the persona of a reasonable go-between, someone moving easily between the grammatically-challenged and the scowling figure - imagined yet feared - of the lexical inquisitor. The book is entertaining and reduces a lot of the mystery of grammatical usage.
February 4, 2014
Although I did learn from The Grouchy Grammarian: A How-Not-To Guide to the 47 Most Common Mistakes in English Made by Journalists, Broadcasters, and Others Who Should Know Better by Thomas Parrish, I feel it could have been written in a way that I could learn more. I actually walk away wondering if I give myself too much credit in the intelligence department. I was confused at times. Of course it just may be me and the way I learn, but it seemed many of the examples were not spelled out clear enough for me. I like to see, this is what the person did incorrectly, and this is the way it should have been done correctly. Again, I did learn, and find it may be useful for reference purposes. I will retain this book for that purpose.
May 10, 2007
This book inspired me to start my own little collection of notes as a mini reference aid.
It is not exactly for folks starting out to learn English, but for those who have lost their way down the line.
Seriously, people need to know about using apostrophes properly, the difference between "Ironically" and "Coincidentally", and stuff like Lie-Lay-Lain vs Lay-Laid-Laid.
I only regret is that this book doesn't tell people that it's "different from", NOT "different than". I hate people who use the second (and erroneous) form.
It is not exactly for folks starting out to learn English, but for those who have lost their way down the line.
Seriously, people need to know about using apostrophes properly, the difference between "Ironically" and "Coincidentally", and stuff like Lie-Lay-Lain vs Lay-Laid-Laid.
I only regret is that this book doesn't tell people that it's "different from", NOT "different than". I hate people who use the second (and erroneous) form.
February 1, 2014
This book is a kick! It's been on my reading table for some time, but I recently discovered again and finally took the time time to read it. It's short, fun, entertaining (at times, I laughed outloud) and provides the reader with live examples of the 'grammer gone wrong' as identified by "The Grouchy Grammerian!"
Tim Kubiak, this would make great reading for you some day! Because you are writer who loves to break any rules of grammer, you would have a great time rebutting everyo one of these examples!
Tim Kubiak, this would make great reading for you some day! Because you are writer who loves to break any rules of grammer, you would have a great time rebutting everyo one of these examples!
April 10, 2011
This book scratched an unreachable itch. I found it very validating. I'm glad to know that other people are bothered by the same inaccuracies that I am. It was nice to find out that I'm not just being picky, there is a grammatical/stylistic basis for my gripes. However, I also learned a lot from this book. I think I'll be referencing it again and again, I'm glad for the index in the back.
April 25, 2015
It's confirmed; I'm a geek.
I could figure out most of the errors mentioned but am sure I will still make them on a regular basis. Some of the mistakes cited were rather obscure, I thought. This book would be good to read on a regular basis if one was a serious amateur writer, although it is not as readable as a similar book, Eats, Shoots and Leaves.
I could figure out most of the errors mentioned but am sure I will still make them on a regular basis. Some of the mistakes cited were rather obscure, I thought. This book would be good to read on a regular basis if one was a serious amateur writer, although it is not as readable as a similar book, Eats, Shoots and Leaves.
February 12, 2013
I read this as part of my ongoing research to hone my skills for a book I'm editing. Tangentially, it will improve my writing as well. The Grouch is particularly precise, and very demanding. He is far more persnickety than most other grammar sites and books that I've read. It all serves his overarching point, though, which is: think! A good lesson I've taken to heart. What shall I read next?
February 29, 2008
Useful and often quite funny. This is a nice reference for writers, and now has a place on my shelf along with other necessary tools like the dictionary, thesaurus, and various style manuals. Read it, you'll like it.
April 8, 2008
It wasn't bad - I learned a few things that I haven't read before! I felt that some of the negative examples were tiresome, as was the imaginary conversation with the grouch. I get the schtick, but it grew old rather quickly.
January 23, 2009
This book takes a humurous approach to troubleshooting the most common mistakes made in writing. even though the boook is a list of dos and don'ts, it doesn't feel preachy. It also uses real word examples to highlight clearly what each common mistake is and how to correct it.
May 8, 2011
I was hoping to enjoy this book more, as I was told it was funny. Unfortunately, while it started well, I found that it often spent too much time giving example after example until I forgot the original point. All of the grammar notes in it are good to know, but it was a bit of a trial to finish.
December 4, 2013
As a student admiring the grouchy, I've enjoyed this book. It is witty enough to read to end and especially helpful for me to clarify some grammar things for a long time. (eg. 'of' has neutral meaning and comparing function. as likely popular as vs. more likely popular than)
September 11, 2007
This is a great grammar resource that rivals "Eats, Shoots and Leaves."
November 4, 2009
Very particular. Sometimes I didn't understand the point the author was trying to make. I guess I need that.
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February 15, 2015I hate reading books about grammar and writing, unless they've got an interesting spin. This book was interesting, and entertaining.
April 23, 2012
I'm a Grouchy Grammarian myself, so love this book, and agree with everything in it. Resounding "Yes!" frequently heard in my home as I read this.
June 1, 2015
Handy but too pedantic.Wry humour.
August 24, 2014
I found that this book taught me about the problems people make using grammar. I personally think there were points that I realized I was doing wrong, and things I already had the basic idea.
May 17, 2015
The most important rule: "Think about what you're saying--know what it means and where it came from." p. 11
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2016
Entertaining, humorous review of mistakes in grammar.
August 14, 2017
This book took me a while to get through but it was a blast. My grammar above would make the author cringe....
July 9, 2025
Vastly snarky, very entertaining, an surprisingly informative! One thing I liked straight away was that it only blasts people whose profession requires careful/correct English. The surprising thing is that the Grouchy Grammarian himself is never named. He is a mere friend of the author's. This is not only entertaining (I read the whole thing while camping), but it's organized into tiny chapters, so it's super easy to reference. It has an index and a 5-page bibliography. On top of that, there are short summaries of the tips/guidance at the end of each chapter. I am excited for my family members to read it!
October 9, 2022
Definitivamente un libro de consulta.
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December 17, 2024""
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2015
My mom gave me this slim "How-Not-To" guide written by Thomas Parrish about his fictional(?) interactions with a character he calls "The Grouchy Grammarian." The little book covers the 47 most common, according to Parrish and his grouchy friend, mistakes relating to grammar and usage. The book is hardly a thrill a minute, but it's a good starter guide for anyone looking to beef up their literary skills.
Reading this book made me realize how abysmal my own command of grammar and usage is, especially in the area of the identifying of compositional elements of sentences. This is exactly the kind of lack of basic grammatical knowledge that Parrish's grouch abhors, especially when limply wielded by professional writers.
The How-Not-To guide covers the 47 most common mistakes by making reference to historical columns, transcripts, articles, letters to the editor, etc. Taken mostly from well-known and reputable institutions such as The New Yorker and the AP, these, sometimes humorous, blunders show that mistakes are common even in the highest echelons of the publishing world while also showing how a general neglect for some of the most basic grammatical rules has led to a blunting and dumbing-down of the way we write and speak.
It's a good read for anybody looking to get a better idea of the way that one's mind should work as a professional writer of any kind. Parrish's grouch's battle cry is "Think!" Think about what you're trying to say and work out the best way to say it. Don't blunt it with redundancy. Think about the metaphor you're using and make sure you understand it or you'll be lost like a pig in a blanket.
Reading this book made me realize how abysmal my own command of grammar and usage is, especially in the area of the identifying of compositional elements of sentences. This is exactly the kind of lack of basic grammatical knowledge that Parrish's grouch abhors, especially when limply wielded by professional writers.
The How-Not-To guide covers the 47 most common mistakes by making reference to historical columns, transcripts, articles, letters to the editor, etc. Taken mostly from well-known and reputable institutions such as The New Yorker and the AP, these, sometimes humorous, blunders show that mistakes are common even in the highest echelons of the publishing world while also showing how a general neglect for some of the most basic grammatical rules has led to a blunting and dumbing-down of the way we write and speak.
It's a good read for anybody looking to get a better idea of the way that one's mind should work as a professional writer of any kind. Parrish's grouch's battle cry is "Think!" Think about what you're trying to say and work out the best way to say it. Don't blunt it with redundancy. Think about the metaphor you're using and make sure you understand it or you'll be lost like a pig in a blanket.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews