General English Language Resources
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Knowledge of the intricacies of the English language is essential if you are a proofreader. But it can be quite interesting too! So, here are some useful books and resources to help you develop your general English language knowledge.
You might be a veteran proofreader wanting to expand your repertoire or someone who is just starting out in their freelance career. The resources below are designed to help you whatever stage you’re at.
Books
- The Mother Tongue: English and How it Got That Way, by Bill Bryson
- Troublesome Words, 2nd edition, by Bill Bryson
- The Prodigal Tongue: The Love–Hate Relationship between British and American English by Lynne Murphy
- Playing with Words: Humour in the English Language by Barry J. Blake
- Anguished English: An Anthology of Accidental Assaults upon Our Language by Richard Lederer
Online Language Resources
Some of these resources are less concerned with linguistic technicalities and more to do with encouraging a curiosity about the English language. Nevertheless, they are valuable if you wish to develop your interests and knowledge.