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In fact, there are two different styles of dictionary. Descriptive
dictionaries like M-W strive to include all words and usages that
are found with any reasonable degree of frequency, even if they
are "non-standard" or improper or flat out incorrect. Prescriptive
dictionaries attempt to tell the reader the correct way to use
the language; non-standard words are usually not included and
improper usages may only be discussed in a special usage note
rather than included in the dfinitions proper. These days there
are very few prescriptive dictionaries for the English language.
> From: techwr -at- genek -dot- com> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Subject: Re: Inflammable vs. flammable> Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:43:18 -0700> > A dictionary can serve two functions. One is to help the reader understand> the probable intended meaning of something that is being used as a word.> The other is to help a writer use correct (i.e., "proper") words. As long> as the dictionary correctly flags "improper" words ("dialectical speech,"> "colloq," "nonstandard," etc.), and the user is paying attention to the > flags,> everything works fine. You just can't assume that something is a "proper"> word merely because it's in the dictionary...except, perhaps, when you're> losing at Scrabble.> > Gene Kim-Eng> > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Tariel, Lauren R" <lt34 -at- saclink -dot- csus -dot- edu>> > I'm starting to lose faith in M-W because of its acceptance of improper > > terms.> > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> > Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or > printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007 > Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more.> http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList> > True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.> Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical> documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com> > ---> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as docudoc -at- hotmail -dot- com -dot- > > To unsubscribe send a blank email to > techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/docudoc%40hotmail.com> > > To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> > Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- Visit> http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.>
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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