People frequently ask: ?What is the best dictionary for the average person or family?? That?s an easy question to answer: Merriam-Webster?s Collegiate Dictionary. At least, that?s my opinion. It is a scholarly, easy-to-understand, and very complete tool for defining the meaning of words and checking for correct spelling. But it is much more than that.

Merriam-Webster?s Collegiate Dictionary is a resource for a wide range of grammatical topics. It helps you understand the correct ways to use words to form more complex units of speech than individual words themselves, that is, to form phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and so forth.

If there is any question about the correct plural of a noun or principal parts of a verb, the individual entry for such a word will address the issue. If a word is used in a unique way in a specific region of the country, that will be noted. Correct pronunciation for each word is included. And on and on goes the list of special features.

People tend to assume that all dictionaries that use Webster in their titles qualify as reliable resources for grammar and spelling. That just is not the case! Many companies use the name ?Webster? in the titles of their dictionaries, but such an inclusion does not guarantee scholarly quality or authenticity. And many dictionaries include in their titles the word ?college? or ?collegiate.? The dictionary I recommend is the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary.

New words are always emerging and accepted standards of grammar are always evolving. It is important to stay up to date with your dictionary. Merriam-Webster?s Collegiate Dictionary is in its Eleventh Edition. When a new edition comes out, you should go for it. Also be careful about using your old high school or college grammar books. If they were published prior to 1980 or 1985, they are probably out of date on some issues of grammar.