Since its first publication in 1926, this world famous guide to English usage has come to be known affectionately simply as 'Fowler'. Journalists, broadcasters, and writers of all kinds have turned to it whenever they have required definitive judgements on all matters of English usage.Taking account of the extensive changes in standard English over the last 20 years, 'Fowler' has been written afresh and expanded by Robert Burchfield, the distinguished Oxford lexicographer. This revised edition of the standard language reference provides: Comprehensive advice on correct English: Practical help with grammar, syntax, style, and choice of words. Clear guidance on usage points: All major points of usage reconsidered and judged in the light of the language of the 1990s, with many new insights into how English is used today. Broad coverage of British and American English: In-depth coverage of both British and American English, together with aspects of the English of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. Wide-ranging illustrative examples: including examples from an international selection of newspapers, journals, and periodicals, as well as from well-known authors such as Martin Amis, Julian Barnes, William Boyd, Anita Brookner, Thomas Keneally, Ruth Rendell, and John Updike. Split infinitives and other quandaries: Advice on all the main problems likely to be encountered, including split infinitives, unattached participles, political correctness etc. A new Supplement for this revised third edition: This section includes new and revised entries written in response to readers' comments on the third edition, highlighting the continuing debate on questions of English usage.

Hailed by The Chicago Tribune as "the greatest living lexicographer," Robert Burchfield was the Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary from 1971 to 1984. He is now an Emeritus Fellow of St Peter's College at Oxford University.