A Dictionary of Modern English Usage

work by Fowler

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June 25, 2026

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A Dictionary of Modern English Usage is a seminal work by H.W. Fowler, first published in 1926. It serves as an alphabetical guide to various aspects of the English language, including grammar, syntax, style, pronunciation, and punctuation.1

The dictionary is renowned for its depth, distinctive style, and humor, making it a classic in the field of English philology. Fowler, a lexicographer and philologist, was known for his moral and intellectual strength, with his wit and grace evident throughout his writings. He collaborated with his brother, Francis George Fowler, on earlier works such as The King's English (1906), which also provided guidelines on language usage.12

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Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage (1926), ably reedited in 1965 by Sir Ernest Gowers. It represents the good taste of a sensitive, urbane litterateur. It has many devotees in the United States and also a number of competitors, such as A Dictionary of Contemporary American…
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Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage (1926), ably reedited in 1965 by Sir Ernest Gowers. It represents the good taste of a sensitive, urbane litterateur. It has many devotees in the United States and also a number of competitors, such as A Dictionary of Contemporary American…
Read More

H.W. Fowler
…planned with his brother, was A Dictionary of Modern English Usage (1926). It is an alphabetical listing of points of grammar, syntax, style, pronunciation, and punctuation. The depth, style, and humour of the work have made it a classic of English philology. Among Fowler’s other writings are a collection of…
Read More
…planned with his brother, was A Dictionary of Modern English Usage (1926). It is an alphabetical listing of points of grammar, syntax, style, pronunciation, and punctuation. The depth, style, and humour of the work have made it a classic of English philology. Among Fowler’s other writings are a collection of…
Read More