Linked to Oxford University Press, although some of this site is designed as a showcase for OUP books, it also contains two useful free sections, 'Ask the Expert' and Letter Writing' (with subsections 'Spelling and Grammar Tips' and 'Plain English'). Access through the scroll bar at the top of the screen.

For more advanced writers and publishers, first, depress yourself with your score for the Economist's style quiz (see bottom left of the home page, called 'The Write Stuff'). Then dip into the various sections – metaphors, short words, jargon etc – all based on Orwell's guidelines and the Economist Style Guide . This is the site to learn what to avoid (‘very', ‘there are', ‘important', ‘as to' to name but a few…).

The Plain English Campaign gives a quick recap on use of language. Click on the ‘Free Guides' section (lhs of the homepage) where you will find: ‘How to write in plain English' and ‘The A-Z of alternative words'. Clear and succinct.

Although aimed at would-be freelance proofreaders and copyeditors, this site has the most addictive proofreading test (via the buttons on the left-hand panel) that would floor most editors and authors. Try it and see for yourself!

So You Wanna is a strangely addictive site; just don't get too sidetracked by all the other So You Wannas (acne, get rid of; opera, learn about; be a movie extra…). Go to the A-Z listing at the top of the screen and then to Avoid Common Writing Errors. Like The Plain English Campaign's site, this gives clear advice on the use of language.