I use this reference often, because it's easy to use when I have questions about grammar, usage, or formats. I also like it because I can find answers in it quickly, more quickly than in the Chicago Manual of Style, for example.
Suppose I'm not sure about using a colon in a sentence, and want to check. I open the front cover of the Gregg Reference Manual and there's a one page list of topics. No need to work through a table of contents or index. I find the topic in just seconds.
I see the colon is covered in paragraphs 187 to 189 (in my Canadian version at least). The use of paragraph numbers, rather than page numbers, also speeds up my search, since I don't need to try to find the first paragraph on a page -- I simply go straight to paragraph 187.
Note, too, that paragraph numbers are listed on the top of each page, with the first full paragraph listed at the top of the left-hand page, and the last entry at the top of the right-hand page.
I find the entries have a good balance between conciseness and thoroughness. On the other hand, if you like detailed explanations or good coverage of exceptions, you might find Gregg on the light side.
All things considered, I like the Gregg Reference Manual, because I can find answers easily and quickly, reducing the odds my train of thought will derail while checking references.
It's widely available, at both conventional and online book stores.
Robert F. Abbott offers three free chapters from his book, A Manager's Guide to Newsletters: Communicating for Results at http://www.managersguide.com/free-sample.html He also offers free subscriptions to Abbott’s Communication Letter, a free newsletter that helps you enhance your career through improved business communication, at http://www.abbottletter.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Abbott | |
