A usage dictionary is a reference work that makes recommendations about how language should be used. It is different from a standard dictionary, which merely describes how speakers of a language have used it. A usage dictionary is particularly useful for editors, writers, and readers who want to examine a contested or confusing use of language in depth in order to guide their writing and editing.
Usage dictionaries are organized alphabetically, like standard dictionaries, but they give advice not just on words but on grammatical topics that can be difficult for even skilled editors, such as notional agreement or flat adverbs. They also place those topics and word choices within a broader context for the reader.
One of the most well-known usage dictionaries is Merriam-Websters Dictionary of English Usage (MWDEU), which is published by Merriam-Webster, Inc. of Springfield, Massachusetts. It includes 2,300 entries presenting the history, analysis, and recommendations regarding noted usage controversies. Other popular usage dictionaries include A Dictionary of Modern English Usage by Henry Fowler and American Usage and Style by Roy H. Copperud.
Its worth noting that usage dictionaries can vary depending on the author and their general attitudes towards English. Some usage dictionaries are more permissive, while others are less so. Therefore, its recommended to consult multiple usage dictionaries to get a range of perspectives and make better editing decisions.
