The Times Style and Usage Guide

An indispensable tool for writers, editors and proofreaders alike.


Royal Family or royal family? Front-runner or front runner? Assure or ensure? Affect or effect?


Even the most sophisticated writers of English will run up against these and many similar problems in the quest for clear, elegant and grammatical writing.


The Times Style and Usage Guide answers these and hundreds of other usage conumdrums with a comprehensive collection of entries designed to sweep the minefield of the English language.


The guide is presented in dictionary style with cross-references and specialist sections covering the Armed Forces, the Arts, the Churches, the Courts, Politics, Sports and Titles.


Although no literary straitjacket, this authoritative guide is the foundation of correct English usage for all Times journalists and contributors and can provide the user with a benchmark style, the essential ingredient of all well-written English.