Modern English Usage Dictionary

Author: Huang Yongmin (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Huang's Modern English Usage Dictionary addresses commonly mistaken or confusing words for Chinese learners of English, providing detailed authentic examples. It retains the legacy of Mr. Ge Chuan'e's discerning judgment ("what is advisable and what is not") while reflecting the permissive characteristics of contemporary society. Relatively speaking, it primarily teaches readers what is acceptable rather than what is forbidden. In terms of "correctness" and "permissibility," it avoids absolute statements, which aligns well with the linguistic principle that "a dictionary teaches correctness and permissibility, but not all correctness and permissibility can be included in one dictionary." For instance, in the entry for abbreviation, it summarizes common rules for abbreviating words, offering a broader understanding. Comparing terms like attire and apparel also gives the dictionary some of the functions of a lexical "compendium." From the overall selection of topics, it is evident that the author, as an English teacher, pays close attention to the difficulties and doubts students encounter in their learning process. In this sense, the dictionary can also be read as an experience-sharing volume for English teachers.