Lost for Words : The Use and Abuse of the English Language - Hardcover

Humphrys, John

3.44

302 ratings by Goodreads

9780340836583: Lost for Words : The Use and Abuse of the English Language

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 034083658X ISBN 13: 9780340836583

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, 2004

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From empty cliche to meaningless jargon, dangling participle to sentences without verbs, the English language is reeling. It is under attack from all sides. Politicians dupe us with deliberately evasive language. Bosses worry about impacting the bottom line while they think out of the box. Academics talk obscure mumbo jumbo. Journalists and broadcasters, who should know better, lazily collaborate. John Humphrys exposes the depths to which our beautiful language has sunk and offers many examples of the most common atrocities. He also dispenses some sensible guidance on how to use simple, clear and honest language. He knows he may be hanged on his own gallows, but is prepared to take the risk in support of his beloved Campaign for Real English.

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About the Author:

In a journalistic career spanning forty-five years John Humphrys has reported from all over the world for the BBC and presented its frontline news programmes on both radio and television. He has won a string of national awards and been described as a 'national treasure' - all of which he attributes to longevity and luck. He presents Radio 4's Today programme and BBC2's Mastermind.

Review:

an exquisite sensitivity to the misuse of the English language * The Sunday Times * You will have fun with this book * Guardian * I commend Citizen Humphrys * Daily Mail * the Jack Russell of the Today programme has now chosen to take some well aimed snaps at solecism, jargon, cliche and weasel words... It is always exhilarating to read a book which says what so many of us think * Spectator * Let us be very clear about this from the start: John Humphrys is a Good Thing * Evening Standard * Timely and lively * Sunday Telegraph * It is always exhilarating to read a book which says what so many of us think * Jonathan Keates, Spectator * for all those who care about the English language * Ann Widdecombe, New Statesman * Greatly enjoyable * Simon Hoggart, Guardian * Humphrys is passionate about language - and very funny too * Rod Liddle *

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