The Gordon Group, LLC

Here are some of our favorite writing and grammar resources, and we encourage everyone to have them nearby anytime they’re writing. Even ad agencies, which can often take some creative license, still want to comply with most of the generally accepted grammar and punctuation rules. (Note: Even if you own these, you’ll still need us to ensure that it flows and gets the message out effectively, but these are great resources.)

Grammar Girl (Mignon Fogarty) is absolutely fabulous–the CD set below is great to listen to in the car. Great style and grammar review with lots of warmth and humor!


Longman Phrasal Verb Dictionary. While you may not think a book on phrasal verbs would be interesting or helpful–that’s just not the case! This is a very helpful resource… listed here in two versions:


Gregg Reference Manual, Tenth Edition OUR FAVORITE, “GOTTA HAVE IT” RESOURCE! Incredibly thorough with lots of contemporary updates for e-mail and other electronic media PLUS lots of great, sometimes-humorous examples. Very detailed index makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for!	One Word, Two Words, Hyphenated? This little book may be harder to come by or you may have to wait a bit for it, but my copy and my clients’ copies get used all the time. I’m sure you’ll find you grab for it often!

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary While many grammar and language aficionados favor Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary—which is a true classic—we favor The American Heritage Dictionary but use them both (see below!).	The American Heritage Dictionary, Fourth Edition (hardcover).

The American Heritage Dictionary, Fourth Edition (w/ CD) The version with the CD has lots of advantages, too!	The American Heritage Dictionary (hardcover) AND, when you’re traveling light, try the paperback version or keep it in your briefcase!

Eats, Shoots & Leaves For a lively and clever look at the language with a slightly British slant—Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss	The New Food Lover’s Companion, Fourth Edition A delectable and remarkably useful guide to food and food terminology.

The Chicago Manual of Style The venerable Chicago Manual of Style has its proponents, too, though we recommend the Gregg Manual if you’re just going to buy one!