A glossary is a strange kind of book, by nature one that is dipped into rather than one which is read from cover to cover, so that the reader rather than the author controls the order in which the various sections are met. It therefore requires certain rules if readers are to find their way around in it.

Cross-references to other entries in the glossary are provided in bold type. Sometimes this cross-reference has to be interpreted rather loosely: the bold item derivational may actually refer to an entry headed derivation. However, not all words which are entries in the glossary are in bold type everywhere they occur. Rather, bold type indicates that useful information is likely to be found in the cross-reference. Single quotation marks enclose alternative technical terms and other technical terms referred to. At the same time, it must be recalled that only terms relating to morphology have a place in this glossary: terms relating to phonology, syntax or semantics may be used, even explained, but they are not part of the glossary.

Some writers on morphology have been given privileged position by having their work referred to in the glossary without a full reference. The works referred to in these cryptic references are listed in the Fundamental Works at the end of the book. There is also a fuller bibliography of suggested further reading. At the end of the book there are also two indexes: an index of names and an index of languages, to help the reader find references to individual scholars or particular examples.