<p><b>A useful guide to everyday American English to help you understand meanings and avoid difficulty in translation</b></p><p>In this new edition of <i>Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts</i>, noted lexicographer Richard A. Spears shares with you 1,900 of the most common phrases and colloquial expressions used in contemporary American English. Here you will discover the greetings, good-byes, and everyday small talk that Americans use daily. All entries have been selected with the special needs of you, the nonnative speaker of English, in mind!</p><p>Inside you''ll find:<ul><li>Examples or short dialogues with each entry that illustrate how the phrase is used in everyday speaking<li>Usage restrictions or warnings for those situations when a phrase may be inappropriate<li>Shortened or abbreviated expressions cross-referenced to their complete forms<li>A Phrase-Finder Index to help quick and easy reference</ul>