To accommodate this wide range of readers, The Gregg Reference Manual presents the basic rules that apply in virtually every piece of writing, as well as the fine points that occur less often but cause no less trouble when they do. This manual offers an abundance of examples and computer–generated illustrations so that you can quickly find models on which to pattern a solution to the various problems you encounter in your communications—from e-mail messages to formal reports. It also provides the rationale underlying specific rules so that you can manipulate the principles of style with intelligence and taste.

The ninth edition of The Gregg Reference Manual consists of 18 sections and 3 appendixes, organized in three parts:

Part 1 (Sections 1–11) deals with grammar, usage, and the chief aspects of style—punctuation, capitalization, numbers, abbreviations, plurals and possessives, spelling, compound words, and word division.

Part 2 (Sections 12-18) deals with the techniques and procedures for creating and formatting all kinds of written communications—letters, memos, reports, manuscripts, tables, agendas, minutes, itineraries, fax cover sheets, news releases, e-mail, outlines, and résumés and other employment communications. It also provides detailed guidelines on forms of address.

Part 3 (Appendixes A, B, and C) provides a glossary of grammatical terms, a glossary of computer terms, and a new appendix dealing with troublesome pronunciation problems.