Prentice Hall Reference Guide (Prentice Hall Reference Guide to Grammar & Usage)

I didn't particularly like this book. I found it difficult to find something when I needed something specific. It was not easy to follow at the best of times. It's not my favorite.

I bought this for a writing class I am required to take before I graduate. It is a great resource. I remember buying these when I was just a little freshman and they were never of much worth to me. This one is spiral bound, so it lays flat, it has sample papers to show you exactly how to use the format you need and many exercises that I have admittedly never touched. It will be a good resource for undergrads, graduate students or anyone who is interested in writing a research paper. It also has ample information on how to document electronic sources, which most guides tend to skimp on.

This item was in good qualities, but it took a while for me to receive it. This book has very interesting information that i am sure will help me in the future. VERY GOOD!

I bought this book sight unseen as a desk reference and I am sorry that I did. Technically, it is good reference guide - not the best. There are many concepts and terms that are not explained in the body of the text. Rather, as you are reading up on a particular topic and you come across some grammer term, nstead of defining it there, you are forced to flip through the glossary at the end of the text.

Example, page 100: "Forms of the verb that end in -ing, called gerunds..." Well, he author never mentions the fact that gerunds are used as nouns. This you learn from going to the glossary (P. 555)

This sort of thing happens all the time. Ahhhh!!

My second issue has to do with the excessive number of mind-numbing number of practice exercises. They alone take up 30% to 40% of the text. I think it is a great idea to practice what you are trying to learn but guess what? There is no answer key provided.

Why is it that you can get a solutions manual (at leaset odd number)to every math text ever produced but every other discipline restricts them to instructors only. It is so, so annoying. If anyone knows how to get resources reserved for instructors, please let me know.

Bottomline, you are not getting your money's worth with this writer's reference guide. Muriel, I expected better from your textbook.

This is a wonder tool for writing. I'm keeping it for me and my kids.