A growing reference for better writing.
Welcome to the Online English Usage Dictionary. From misused words and phrases to the differences between American and British English, this dictionary explains the nuances of our language and provides advice on spelling, phrasing, punctuation, and formatting. Here the focus is standard written English, the more formal expression of English writing, but the information within this reference guide serves all writers and readers who seek prose clear in thought, precise in meaning, and consistent in habit. Browse through all entries, as with any physical dictionary, or search directly for the word or phrase that brought you to this site.
This is a growing resource with new entries added every month. For suggestions or corrections, please visit the About page.