Product Description

This reference grammar combines the best of modern and traditional approaches. Its objective is not only practical mastery of the language, but familiarity with its structure. The Grammar takes full account of modern linguistic research, but without excessive emphasis on formalism. It provides numerous examples based on the author's own experience of teaching French to English speakers. The norms of "correct expression" are given together with current usage and deviations. A substantial index of French and English words and of topics provides easy access to the text itself.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #491314 in Books
• Published on: 1999-06-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 716 pages

Review
"The work done by M. L'Huiller is outstanding. The text is excellent!" Dr. Erasmo G. Gerato, Professor of French and Italian, The Florida State University

Language Notes
Text: English, French

Customer Reviews

Le meilleur livre de grammaire française (écrit en anglais)
I have many French language books, but find myself returning to this reliable reference book whenever I want to look up something specific about the French language. It is well organized, and touches on many aspects of parts of speech. It clearly define rules and exceptions, and it offers examples of each. There is an extensive index which aids in research. This is the most thorough French grammar book I have seen that is written in English.

For more subtle points which are not mentioned in this book, I refer to Le Bon Usage (de M. Grevisse) which is THE French Language "Bible" ... Le Bon Usage is written entirely in French and offers many examples from famous works, and while it is the most thorough, I find it too complex at times. Most of the time I am able to find my answers in Advanced French Grammar.

I must warn that this book may seem a bit "overwhelming" at first (especially for the beginner), but I promise you'll soon become comfortable with it and then wonder how you ever managed without it ! I recommend this to any intermediate/advanced French student/language lover who is serious about learning and perfecting this beautiful language...

Comprehensive, thorough
For generations, Fraser, Squair & Carnahan's Standard French Grammar, no longer extant, has been the definitive French reference for all levels. Now, thanks to Ms L'Huillier, Advanced French Grammar succeeds admirably. A giant text for beginners to versed reviewers. Tedious it may be, but essentials of grammar cannot be supplanted by other methodologies. The author keeps these tenets in mind, minimizing boredom with splendid examples throughout. I prefer to regard and use this text as I do an encyclopedia, thesaurus or dictionary, so thorough is its content. Though not for the faint-hearted, all will certainly benefit from any level of entry.

A thorough French grammar
One way or another, all of the other posted reviews sound accurate to me. I chose this book because it was the portable grammar reference of choice for a very accomplished French-speaking American student who I know. The book has a decidedly linguistic slant, and is indeed too much for a beginner. However, when I recently started re-studying French via the Alliance Francaise in my home town, I decided to "dig in" and try to understand every nuance imbedded in my lessons.... which of course ended up being an incredibly humiliating experience, as I began to assess exactly how much I did not really know. This book provides me with an extremely thorough and organized reference at a very reasonable price.
I would add that once or twice I was wishing for a less detailed explanation... but I suspect that that says more about me than it says about this text. And, less detailed grammar references are easy to find.