Product Description

Many students of English as a second language are daunted by the complexities of English grammar and its terminology. This user-friendly book was written especially for them. The emphasis here is on practical use of written and spoken American-style English, rather than on theory. The first of the book’s 15 chapters explains different kinds of sentences—affirmative, negative, and interrogative, as well as clauses and phrases that are component parts of many sentences. Several chapters that follow focus on different parts of speech, describing their uses in verbal and written communication. The book’s later chapters discuss vocabulary, standard protocols in conversational speech, and modes of expression, such as preferences and dislikes. A separate chapter presents guidelines for composing letters, e-mails, r©sum©s, and other written forms. Short quizzes for self-testing appear throughout the text, with answers given at the back of the book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #180773 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780764133589
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
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From the Back Cover
(back cover)
If English is your second language and you are sometimes daunted by the complexities of English grammar and its terminology, you’ll find the help you’re looking for in this user-friendly book. Fifteen easy-to-follow chapters avoid theory and focus mainly on practical written and spoken American-style English. Short quizzes for self-testing will help you measure your progress as you progress from chapter to chapter. Their answers appear at the back of the book.

An ESL/EFL Handbook

About the Author
Marcel Danesi, Ph.D., is Professor of Foreign Languages at the University of Toronto. He is the author of several textbooks and supplementary study guides for students of Italian, French, and English as a Second Language.

Customer Reviews

Can't live without this book!
I'm a textbook writer and I do a lot of ESL/ELL work. This book is a MUST have for teaching/writing about grammar and language development. It explains complex ideas in simple terms and offers plenty of examples. I wish I would have found a book like this years ago.

A blend of quizzes for self-testing and insights into how English works
If English is your second language and you can't figure out the inconsistencies of grammar, Basic American Grammar And Usage: An ESL/EFL Handbook is for you. Fifteen easy chapters avoid the usual theory and focus on applied written and spoken American-style English, offering a blend of quizzes for self-testing and insights into how English works. Guidelines include sentences, clauses, standard conventions, relative pronouns, and more: many an English speaker will also find this a solid refresher course on usage.

Very helpful
As most books on this subject, if you read it and practice it helps. This one helps a lot too. Clear and valuable examples. Don't buy the usual line that authors usually use for these kinds of books "it's not boring to study grammar" - it's a lie, it's boring but it's not a waste of time at all. This book makes your time more valuable.