User:Doc James/Tools

The Online English phrase checker. This is very useful and worth bookmarking: enter the phrase in the search window to check any word or phrase on the Internet using the alltheweb search engine; for example, should "up-regulated" be hyphenated? Survey usage with and without the hyphen in just seconds, and make your own informed decision.
Editing exercises. A set of problem sentences with click-and-show solutions, for undergraduates, from the MacEwan Centre, University of Calgary, Canada; accessed 12 August 2006.
Ask Oxford. A free online dictionary resource, with a search box for looking up the Compact Oxford English Dictionary, information on better writing (including tips on spelling, grammar and plain English), a huge database of FAQs on the language, and a section on global English.
The Owl at Purdue. Treatment of many writing issues; part of Purdue University's wide-ranging site for writers.
Better editor. A rich resource of style and grammar guides, dictionaries, free software downloads and other tools for serious editors.
Bartleby's Indo-European roots. A fascinating list of linked Indo-European roots to explore. What tickles me is discovering the variety of modern English words that are derived from each of these roots—connections you'd never have dreamt of suddenly become logical.
The American heritage book of English Usage. We disagree with the approach on much of this site, based as it is on traditional grammar; however, we've included the address because of its search box, which enables you to access online information on your chosen topic in several popular texts; for example, you can compare what the self-appointed authorities say about the so-called split infinitive.
The Guardian style guide. A good read, set out as short entries in alphabetical order. Some eccentricities, though!
The Internet grammar of English. An online course in English grammar, written primarily for university undergraduates but more widely applicable; it assumes no prior knowledge of grammar.
World Wide Words. Writer and lexicographer Michael Quinion writes about international English from a British viewpoint—indexed articles, Q&A, reviews, topical words, turns of phrase, weird words, funnies.
Onelook dictionary search. Enter a word (AmEng spelling) to search for dictionary websites that include that word.
Acronym finder. Find out what any acronym, abbreviation, or initialism stands for.
Merriam-Webster online dictionary and thesaurus
The international system of units (SI)
Rowlett's online Dictionary of units of measurement