Book

An Introduction to English Grammar

📖 Overview

An Introduction to English Grammar provides a comprehensive overview of English grammatical structures and rules. The text covers major grammar concepts including parts of speech, sentence types, and clause patterns. The book incorporates examples from both British and American English usage, with exercises and practice materials throughout. Clear explanations accompany technical terminology, making complex grammatical concepts accessible. Greenbaum's systematic approach balances theoretical foundations with practical application. This introduction to English grammar serves as a valuable reference for students, teachers, and anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding of language structure. The text reflects wider themes about the relationship between grammar rules and actual language use, illustrating how formal structures interact with meaning and communication in practice.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe this grammar textbook as clear and systematic in its approach. Students appreciate the logical organization and numerous examples that illustrate each concept. The exercises at the end of chapters help reinforce learning. Likes: - Straightforward explanations without excess jargon - Comprehensive coverage of English grammar fundamentals - Useful for both native and non-native English speakers - Includes answer key for self-study Dislikes: - Some find the academic tone dry and dense - Limited practice exercises compared to other textbooks - A few readers note outdated examples in older editions - Price considered high for a basic grammar text Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (156 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Amazon US: 4.1/5 (45 ratings) "Perfect for brushing up on grammar basics without getting overwhelmed" - Amazon reviewer "Too theoretical for beginners but excellent for teachers" - Goodreads review

📚 Similar books

A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language by Randolph Quirk, Sidney Greenbaum, Geoffrey Leech, Jan Svartvik This reference work expands upon Greenbaum's introductory concepts with detailed linguistic analysis and extensive examples of grammatical structures.

The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language by Rodney Huddleston The text presents a research-based, structural approach to English grammar with systematic coverage of morphology and syntax.

A Student's Introduction to English Grammar by Rodney Huddleston, Geoffrey K. Pullum This condensed version of the Cambridge Grammar focuses on core grammatical concepts with practical examples for language learners.

Oxford Modern English Grammar by Bas Aarts The book provides a corpus-based description of contemporary English grammar using authentic examples from written and spoken sources.

The Grammar Book: Form, Meaning, and Use for English Language Teachers by Marianne Celce-Murcia, Diane Larsen-Freeman The text combines traditional grammar analysis with insights from linguistics research for teaching English grammar.

🤔 Interesting facts

📚 Sidney Greenbaum served as Quain Professor of English Language and Literature at University College London, one of the most prestigious positions in English linguistics. 🎓 The book has become a standard text in many universities worldwide and has been translated into several languages, including Chinese and Korean. ✍️ Greenbaum was also the Director of the Survey of English Usage, which created one of the first computerized databases of grammatically analyzed English texts. 📖 The book's approach to grammar is distinctly descriptive rather than prescriptive, focusing on how English is actually used rather than just traditional rules. 🌍 Greenbaum collaborated with Randolph Quirk on "A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language" (1985), which is considered one of the most authoritative works on English grammar of the 20th century.