Believer  +  242473 Tue, 04 Jul 06 12:40 AM If a style book seems to indicate differently in regard to some area of grammar or mechanics with the other or others, how do we go about deciding which recommendation ?? to follow? In other words, some style books might propose differing opinions on some areas of grammar with other style books. (I presume there are many style books.) How can a person resolve that dilemma? Believer Joined on Mon, Jan 2 2006 Contributing Member 1,969 Regards, Grammar, Resume

	Grammar Geek  +  242508 Tue, 04 Jul 06 05:19 AM You also pick the one that is used by the organization you are doing the writing for. Many swear by the Chicago Manual of Style, others AP. Educational institutions have their own style. The MOST important rule of any style issue is to be utterly, completely, absolutely consistent. Did I mention you should be consistent? Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Veteran Member 19,665 Barbara, who answers in American English. My housekeeping skills attest to the truth of the second law of thermodynamics: Left to themselves, things get more and more random!

	MrPedantic  +  242726 Wed, 05 Jul 06 12:36 AM It's probably fair to say that if a stylistic choice is non-contentious, it won't appear in a style guide. Thus a style guide by its nature implies different possibilities. In effect, a style guide says "Don't do that, with those illiterate fellows; do this, with literate me!". So perhaps the best option is to choose a style guide on the basis of whether you like the author's own style. MrP MrPedantic Joined on Tue, Oct 12 2004 Veteran Member 12,592 ...opella forensis / adducit febris...

	Believer  +  242782 Wed, 05 Jul 06 07:51 AM Thank you. If a person is studying/utilizing the English language in an education-oriented environment, like schools, which style book should that person follow?  Chicago Manual of Style, AP or others?    Believer

	Grammar Geek  +  242972 Wed, 05 Jul 06 05:58 PM I just Googled using this: style guide used university (NO quotes - just the words). Try it - the results you get will may be helpful. MLA, APA, CMS, AP... then some of the major universities have their own style. The best thing to do is to ASK the person you're writing for which ones to use. (CMS is, in my own opinion, a difficult reference book to use, but very comprehensive.) Grammar Geek Universities