Directory: General

Plain English is an essential tool for effective communication. Information transmitted in letters, documents, reports, contracts, and forms is clearer and more understandable when presented in straightforward terms. "The Oxford Guide to Plain English" provides authoritative guidance on how to write plain English using easy-to-follow guidelines which cover straightforward language, sentence length, active and passive verbs, punctuation, grammar, planning, and good organization.

From "Words, Words, Words: The Word blog" by Randy Ray.

Every day podictionary delivers a new short story about the history of a common word to thousands of subscribed listeners.

Not only is podictionary an audio word-a-day, but as the number of words grows in the podictionary archive the website is becoming an on-line audio etymology reference of sorts.

Engaging but not flip, thorough but not overwhelming, Writer's Digest Grammar Desk Reference is the perfect addition to anyone's desk. Practical, thorough, and accessible, Writer's Digest Grammar Desk Reference speaks to a hole in the market: good grammar instruction that's reader-friendly, fun to read, easy-to-understand, and correct.

A spot for copy editors, by Bill Walsh.

Fill almost any tech comm need you have with the Buyers' Guide to Products and Services! Search by category, company name, keyword, and even state or country. You can even list all companies to scan everybody. The Buyers' Guide to Products and Services is all new and very much improved, thanks to feedback on last year's edition from our members.

YourDictionary is a free online dictionary and much more. The free dictionary search gives you definitions, thesaurus entries, spelling, pronunciation, and etymology results for your word. Alternatively, you can browse the English dictionary alphabetically or by related terms to find meanings and synonyms. In addition, YourDictionary provides resources to help you find the best dictionary and translation sites for French, Spanish, Italian, German and hundreds of other languages.

Michael Quinion writes on international English from a British viewpoint.

Looking for special software or other tools to do your tech comm job better? Check the STC website for its newest addition—an online buyers guide which also lists technical communication consultants. In addition to companies that provide products and services, the names and contact info of more than 650 technical communicators are listed who undertake single projects, ongoing programs, or perform contract work. The Guide & Directory is fully searchable and presented in PDF format for your convenience in viewing.