The "Bible" of English

[RobertT]

Hi,

The purpose of this thread is to recommend the one book that you would consider as the standard book of English language.

My hope is to get a few suggestions of books I may find as reading materials to well spend some of my free time.

Thank you

[Barb_D]

Hello Robert,
I'm afraid you won't fine one such book.

Different people will explain things differently and there are too many points that even natives don't agree on.

[RobertT]

You have a point Barb_D.

However, for people who are versed in English, don't they have some sort of English books that they refer to and regard as acceptable in their own standards?

[Barb_D]

As a native speaker, I turn to different sources than you might.

I use a dictionary very often, not only for spelling, for to check hyphenation and read the usage notes. For example, the usage notes in Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online on continuous, continual, and constant have helped me when I can't keep them straight.

I use a thesaurus to help me find just the right word.

I use the AP Stylebook from time to time.

I turn frequently to the online writing center, the OWL, of Purdue University (Google OWL Purdue) for help not only in understanding concepts myself but also to give a good reference to an English learner.[/list]

Rather than one book, you may consider visiting the OWL and exploring there a bit. It may end up helping you more than any other single source.

[RobertT]

Thank you Barb_D.

AP Stylebook and OWL Purdue seem to be seriously great resources for an English learner like myself.