Customer Reviews (1)

One month and didn't receive the book yet
I can't give an opinion because I didn'r receive this product yet.It is May 14 and I placed my order on April 13.What can I tell? ... Read more

Product Description
Grammar and Usage in the Classroom addresses prospective English teachers who need both to learn basic grammar themselves and to prepare themselves to successfully teach grammar. Based on the author's extensive work with school districts, in-service teachers, and hundreds of his own students, the second edition has been thoroughly revised and reorganized into three parts: Grammar; Usage; and A Glossary of Grammatical Terms.The grammar opens with a chapter on the current state of teaching grammar and usage; presents traditional school grammar; and, in the last grammar chapter, introduces a modern descriptive grammar to analyze verb complements. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

good book
I learned a lot about grammar, and the notes from the previous owner helped me as well.

still very useful despite the mistakes
The purpose of this book is to give prospective teachers a strong grasp of English grammar so that they in turn can teach it to their students. The intended audience is primarily native English-speaking teachers and native English-speaking students, although it is also addressed to the ESL students who appear in main stream classes.This book has some unusual and useful tools in it, including old-style Reed-Kellogg sentence diagramming exercises and sentence combining.I don't know of anyone who likes diagramming sentences; it's painful and tedious.However, diagramming makes teachers and students alike think of language as an abstraction, and it is possibly one of the best tools to compel them to focus on and analyze its parts.The text is divided into two sections--Grammar and Usage, and what I like most about the book is the many usage tests.These are tests given that draw upon a native speaker's innate sense of grammar rules to determine which part of speech a word, phrase, or clause may be acting as.They're learned quickly and easily, so they're very practical. These usage tests have revolutionized how I approach analyzing sentence structure, and they've been invaluable aids in classroom teaching and analyzing pieces of student writing, no matter how elaborate or chaotic they may be.The tools in the book are very adaptable, so one can work with students at whatever level he or she finds them--already proficient or blissfully unaware.I also like that there are many, many hands-on exercises for the reader to practice the concepts, and there are chapter reviews to ensure the concepts are grasped. Also, there is a very handy Glossary of Grammar Terms that explains the concepts at a glance. The book gives the reader practical tools he or she will need to understand and teach grammar without getting bogged down in Linguistics jargon. I found the diagrams used to teach the concept of verb tense to be very helpful. Additionally, Lester wrote this book with a lot of humor, and it comes through in the text and practice exercises, which helps with such a dry subject.The book has many interesting facts.For example, I found it fascinating that English, originally a Germanic language, was taught with Latinate terminology that inaccurately described the tenses, and that is why what we today call the Perfect Tense isn't really perfect and why the Present Tense isn't used to discuss what is happening in the present.The many merits of the book being duly noted, what I don't like about the book is how errors pervade the entire text, whether they are mere typographical errors or flat out wrong answers to the exercises. It doesn't take much of an imagination to see how confusing these mistakes can be to someone struggling to learn English grammar.I wish the publishers would release another printing that is properly proofread because I hate to see correctable mistakes mar an otherwise good book.The book accomplishes what its author intended: teaching basic grammar to instructors and students.It is practical and doesn't talk over one's head.I think it's a great book for beginners to start or for others who need a refresher.There are plenty of other English grammar books out there that are more influenced by linguistic theory or ESL if that's what you want.Some that I like and recommend are: Understanding English Grammar [With Workbook] by Kolln(written for students), A Student's Grammar of the English Language (Grammar Practice) by Greenbaum and Quirk (a simplified version of their classicA Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language, but still pretty tough),Cambridge Grammar of English Paperback with CD ROM: A Comprehensive Guide by Carter and McCarthy (English as it is spoken--very helpful for explaining grammar concepts to ESL students).

Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes....
This is a great book for teachers.It gives great tools and tests for teachers to use and give students to help them unlock grammar.However, it has many errors - many in the self-check answers section.Apparently, the wrong draft was sent to print (rumor I heard from a friend/co-worker of Lester's).I wish the publishers would print a revised edition.Without the mistakes I would give it five stars.

An Average Grammar Book
With the exception of some "tests" the author has derived to check for different parts of speech, this book is quite average in its content, and the way it is organized makes it not very useful as a reference.

Grammar Book Review
This book provides a good general overview of grammar with lots of practice exercises with an answer key in the back. One major flaw with this book is that there are a number of mistakes. Some of the answers in the key are wrong which makes it very difficult to check your work. ... Read more

Product Description
This thoroughly revised edition provides teachers and learners of English with a unique, up-to-date reference grammar in an easy-to-use dictionary-like format. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent reference for native and non native speakers
I find this book an excellent resource and reference for my university students who are native speakers of English but haven't had any grammar training (apparently we don't teach grammar any more in our school systems); it's been especially useful for teachers-in-training.I have also used it as a reference for high intermediate-advanced ESL students. Great resource!

A short review for the A-Z
A helpful resource book for ESL/EFL teachers. Entries of grammatical categories and terms, as well as usage-related topics (eg. intonation) are listed alphabetically. All entries are cross-referenced for easy access to information on related themes. Cartoons, tables and simple example sentences help the reader make sense of each entry. Differences in British vs. American usage are pointed out whenever possible. Also includes pronunciation guidelines and a list of irregular verbs.

This grammar can also be helpful for (intermediate level + ) ESL/EFL students. ... Read more

Product Description
Quick, daily classroom lessons for improving students' grammar and writing skills

This must-have resource features 180 practical, ready-to-use grammar and usage lessons and activities–one for each day of the school year. The activities included help students in grades 5-12 to acquire, improve, and expand their grammar skills, and become more adept and confident writers. Veteran educator and best-selling author Jack Umstatter helps teachers to familiarize students with the type of grammar-related content found on standardized local, state, national, and college admissions tests.

• Includes ready-to-use, yet comprehensive and authoritative activities for use as sponge activities, extra homework, or regular daily lessons
• Reproducible lessons are designed to be non-intimidating and clear for students
• Other titles by Umstatter include Grammar Grabbers!, 201 Ready-to-Use Word Games for the English Classroom, Brain Games!, and Got Grammar?

Tips for educators on how to best utilize each specific topic or lesson are included for easy classroom instruction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mistake in grammar!
The premise of this book and the way it gives a chance for students to practice the concepts is good.However, it has a major error in how it categorizes pronouns.By definition, a pronoun is a word that replaces a noun. In other words, the pronoun takes the place of the complete noun or noun phrase.
Example:Ella washed the car.Ella washed it.("It," an object pronoun, replaces the noun phrase "the car.")
The words "my,your,his,her,its, our, and their" are possessive ADJECTIVES, not pronouns.These words must be paired with a noun.They do not replace the noun.

Example:Ella washed her car.

Notice that we cannot say:Ella washed her.

Possessive pronouns, on the other hand, are substitutes for a complete noun or noun phrase.

Example:That's my book. (possessive adjective)That's mine.(possessive pronoun)

The possessive pronouns are "mine, yours, his, hers, ours, and theirs."Notice that with the exception of "mine," all possessive pronouns end in "s."

It is a shame that we are teaching generations of students an error!

Author, please edit this book! ... Read more

Product Description
Long trusted as the most comprehensive, up-to-date and user-friendly grammar available, French Grammar and Usage provides students and teachers with a complete guide to French as it is written and spoken today. It includes clear and concise descriptions of all the main grammatical aspects of the language, illustrated by numerous examples taken from contemporary French. Praised for its clear lay-out and lucid explanations, the new edition includes updated examples, enhanced cross-referencing and expanded explanations of the most difficult points of grammar. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

So Good I Bought the Book!
I originally checked this out at my local library and it was so helpful and chuck full of information I decided to buy the book. If you are serious about learning French the correct way this is the book for you. It is very easy to find the information and material that you need. It is down to earth and in simple language with tables and examples so you will completely understand what you are reading. I can't say enough about this book it is simply amazing and should be on everyone's bookshelf.

Excellent reference grammar
Hawkins and Towell is a very good reference grammar of written and, to some extent, spoken French.It is best suited to intermediate or advanced levels, although curious and motivated beginners would also profit.The second edition is a definite improvement over the first.

Remember "reference"--it is not a standalone self-teaching grammar.If you are studying on your own and you are a beginner, you will want another book to walk you through French grammar from the basics up.However, the clarity and the organization of Hawkins and Towell make it a superb companion to the solitary student who may not find things explained fully in a step-by-step grammar.

the best book i've yet to find on the french language
Simply put, this really is the very best book on French I've ever come across, so much so that I bought it on the spot, which is something I very rarely do. It is well-organized, has wonderful examples, and has a particularly good section on adverbs. Although most grammars are simply grammars, I think this is a wonderful book for vocabulary expansion because of all the examples provided, and for the most part translations are provided for both phrases and individual words. It also has a very good index, which is always good in a book, especially so thorough a book. One of the best and most easily-overlooked conveniences is that the formal or colloquial usages are noted right alongside the rest rather than being put in seperate formal or colloquial chapters which would complicate things too much for the student.

I'm not sure how the beginning student would find this book though, but I think I would've liked to have it when I first started out. Perhaps some pronunciation guides would help, but I really don't think that the lack thereof is particularly detrimental.

God bless this book
I'm glad I've finally a decent grammar book for French. It's an extremely helpful reference. The earlier review mentioned that the cover is hideous but I have to say, the cover is *not* a problem.

There are notes on the differences between "written" and "spoken" French. Overall, this is a great book. Easy to use. Even if you're a complete beginner, you shouldn't have a problem.

Very thorough
This is an excellent grammar for English speakers.It has a thorough review of preposition usage, an excellent guide to the subjunctive and pretty much everything else I usually get wrong;-)I browsed for acouple of hours in Borders on Oxford Street and couldn't find anythingbetter.Nicely type-set as well.The only problem is the hideously uglycover. ... Read more

Product Description
· A clear, precise guide to correct English

· Includes sections on spelling rules and common grammatical errors

· Small-format paperback at a great low price ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Useful as well as handy
I have reviewed several writing, grammar, style and usage guides while preparing guidelines for a magazine I edit. This may become my first choice reference.

"Handy Grammar, Usage and Punctuation" is quite comparable to Merriam Webster's "Guide to Punctuation and Style." They are similar in size and price and cover similar material. The differences that I expect between the two publishers' reference works are stronger here than in other competing titles: M-W is stilted and more detailed, RH more casual and readable. I'll use them both.

M-W's punctuation rules are more detailed, more formal and generally more complete. Random House's are briefer and clearer. This, from RH about the exclamation point, is not suggested in M-W: "Avoid overusing exclamation points in writing. They are effective only when used sparingly." M-W devotes more than a page to the exclamation point and notes things that RH does not in its one-third page.

Random House includes an excellent review of basic grammar which will probably prove to be more useful than the well regarded grammar book that I bought. "Handy Grammar" also includes spelling rules and lists of prefixes, suffixes and roots, and commonly misspelled words. M-W does not address spelling.

One of the most helpful sections will be the eleven-page section on avoiding insensitive and offensive language. We of the geriatric set may not agree with all of it, but we'd best not ignore it. M-W does not address it. The section is not as complete as that in American Heritage's "Book of English Usage" (one of the finest language references that I own.)

The usage section fits nicely between Bernstein's "Careful Writer" and M-W's "Concise Dictionary of English Usage." Bernstein distinguishes "can" and "may" in one sentence while "Concise Dictionary" has an essay of perhaps 200 or 300 words. Random House wraps it up nicely in a brief paragraph.

I expect that, more often than not, I will reach for this bookbefore going for M-W's "Guide to Punctuation and Style," Bernstein, Fowler, Strunk & White, American Heritage's "Book of English Usage" or other references that I keep nearby. But I may reach for something else as well. How about a larger and more comprehensive version, Randy? ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Is it "in," or is it "on?"
It is often said great things come in small packages.Yes, that phrase is a cliché but nonetheless true; especially with the "Grammar, Usage & Style" pocket manual by SparkNotes.This small manual is packed with grammatical solutions in alphabetical order.The manual has 127 pages filled with a treasure of answers to correct many grammar issues.

The best way I am able to describe this helpful manual is by quoting a segment from the notes to the reader, "From the most clueless freshman to the most seasoned writer, everyone occasionally struggles with a grammatical issue.Maybe you have trouble remembering when to use who and when to use whom.Or maybe you find yourself thinking, is it 'the donut which I ate' or the donut that I ate?' When this kinds of questions pop up, you don't want to wade through a hefty, technical grammar manual or make wild-eyed guesses in the dark.You want succinct, easy-to-find answers..."(P. iii)

I strongly recommend this excellent pocket manual to help you with your everyday grammar issues.

The Kids on the Block

does what it claims
This guide serves as an excellent easy-to-access reference when writing anything that needs to appear professional and polished. It addresses very common misuses of words and stylistic errors dealing with punctuation, sentence structure, and phrases. I found it very easy to find what I was looking for in the book and got a highly usable and satisfactory lesson once I arrived there. It can easily fit in a desk drawer or will unobtrusively squeeze into a bookshelf. ... Read more

Product Description
Those pesky dangling modifiers, split infinitives, and comma splices, they infect our spoken and written language with such frequency that even native English speakers find it difficult to determine what's right and what's wrong! The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and Usage shows you how to fix these everyday English language mistakes.

With commonsense, easy-to-remember usage tips throughout, this handbook features incorrect and correct grammatical examples, a short review of basic grammar, a glossary, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

LATE
My book came in a month after I needed it. I have never had any item ordered off of here be so late. I had to go out and buy the book because it took so long to get here.

shirley's review
This book was in excellent condition.I also like have the opportunity to use prime.

a very clear, useful, and--almost--painless guide to English grammar for everybody
This book contains a great deal of the material that was in Lester's magnum opus, Grammar and Usage in the Classroom (2nd Edition).How I adored that book!, and I have lingering bitterness that it was never reissued in another printing.The previous book casts a long shadow on this one, since it draws so heavily on it with the same format, section material, and even the same example sentences.

A good book review discusses a book's purpose and whether it achieves it, the intended audience, and so forth.The best thing to do is to let this book speak for itself.This is from the Introduction:

"Grammar books are commonplace.What makes this one different?Following are seven features that set this book apart:
*separating grammar and usage: Part I focuses on the grammatical terminology used to describe language.Part II goes a step further by covering the rules and conventions--the "prescriptions" for proper language, or what you should and should not do in formal communication.Rather than conflate these two issues (description versus prescription), this book separates them so readers can pay attention to the parts that matter most to them.
*A nontechnical approach: You do not have to be a grammarian or linguist to use this book.Part I covers the technical aspects of grammar, but we assume our readers do not necessarily have a background in this area.More importantly, Part II does not rely on Part I or on previous knowledge of formal grammar.
*Accessible, bottom-line information:Part II in particular offers bottom-line definitions, hints, and rules that summarize the least you need to know about grammar and usage.
*More than just the bottom line:Most reference books on grammar stop with the bottom-line rules and with maybe an example or two.The problem is that almost every grammar rule is not self-explanatory.If it were, you would not need a book on grammar at this point in your life.Unlike most reference books on grammar, ours gives a thorough explanation so that you can better understand the rules, exceptions, and methods for correcting an error.Our goal is for you to know how to avoid problems so you will not need this or any other grammar book later.Thus, we provide enough informationso you can truly understand and learn.
*A focus on the most important aspects of grammar and usage:To avoid overwhelming our readers, this book focuses on what matters the most.Neither Part I nor Part II covers everyaspect of formal English.Instead, Part I deals with the grammatical terminology and information that are most useful and common.Part II deals with the most serious or most frequent errors in formal English.
*Clearly marked examples of correct and incorrect sentences:People learn more from examples, so we include plenty.But research indicates that many people who are given incorrect examples only rememberhow to create these errors.Often readers do not know that the examples are actually incorrect, or they only remember seeing mistakes, meaning all they learn is how to commit an error.In this book we clearly mark errors (with an X); other examples are correct.We attempt to include at least as many correct examples are errors.
*A focus on traditional grammar with insights from modern approaches:In school the most common approach to grammar is a traditional scheme based on certain parts of speech, functions, and definitions that, as a whole, are standard throughout the English-speaking world.Our book uses this system as a basis.However, along the way we draw on insights from other theories of grammar and language.For example, Part II is largely based on the notion that people use intuitive tips that tell them if they are putting a sentence together properly.This notion builds on modern grammatical theories that assume people learn a language by subconsciously drawing on particular tests and procedures.In other words, our book describes English in ways that might sound familiar to those who studied grammar in school, but we also draw on more recent perspectives of how people naturally learn and improve their language skills."

While the book uses traditional grammar as a launching point, the usage tests throughout the text are clearly from Chomsky's Transformational Grammar, and they're wonderfully useful.Here's one small example from the book:
The Pair Test: if you can pair up a modifying word with a noun, then that word is an adjective.

example phrase: that absolutely dreadful old man
that man
X absolutely man
dreadful man
old man

By drawing on one's innate sense of what sounds good together and which combinations sound weird, the native speaker of English will know from this test that "absolutely" is not an adjective and it can't be paired with a noun, all without needing the grammatical terminology to describe it.This book (and its predecessor) does a terrific job in helping the reader to determine where the errors are so they can be fixed quickly without getting bogged down in technical jargon.The usage tests rely on native English speakers' subconscious absorption of grammar rules, and because of this, this book, while it may be useful in many regards, isn't intended for ESL students or TOEFL study.Instead, ESL students and tutors should take a look at Lester's McGraw-Hill's Essential ESL Grammar: A Handbook for Intermediate and Advanced ESL Students (McGraw-Hill ESL References) .

The glossary in Part II is VERY useful for defining concepts quickly, and the index is pretty thorough and reliable.You gotta love a good index; it's indispensable.

I try to be aware of what the author intends the book to do versus what I want it to do and not to confuse the two.The authors want Handbook of English Grammar and Usage to be a reference guide that teaches the reader so well that he or she will no longer need the book.That's a laudable goal, but I think in this case the best way to do that is to include exercises for the reader to work his or her way through to test understanding of the concepts (as Grammar and Usage in the Classroom does).Lester wroteEnglish Grammar Drills , and I wonder if it wasn't meant as a companion volume to this one.Yes, this book does omit certain topics such as the subjunctive, but the aim is to cover the most important aspects of grammar.Most high school and college students or business people aren't struggling with that.Be that as it may, I suggest one look elsewhere to learn about using the subjunctive.; - )

McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and Usage is a very useful, accessible, affordable, insightful (and at times funny) book for the beginner or someone who needs to brush up on grammar skills.It's one of the very best you'll find at this level.

GREAT for GMAT Prep!
I am a math major who recently took the GMAT.After reading this book from cover to cover, I scored better on the verbal section than the math section of the exam.I used the library copy to prepare for the exam and now I am purchasing my own copy.It is a must have for anyone needing a grammar refresher.

Exactly what I was looking for
As someone who managed to avoid learning anything in 12 years of English classes ("I already speak it, why do I need to waste my time in these classes"), I'd been bitten in the butt by my inability to clearly and concisely express myself.This was particularly embarrassing and troublesome at work when sending emails to superiors, or presenting projects to a group.

I needed to learn how to properly write a sentence, and to do this, I needed to learn grammar.My search for the perfect grammar book was tough.Most were meant for readers who already had a moderate understanding of grammar.The rest seemed to be meant for ESL students.NONE seemed to offer what I needed: A foundational review of the basic concepts of grammar, and instructions on how to use these concepts to create clear and concise writings.

Finally I found this book, and it was exactly what I needed.I now have a more in-depth understanding of grammar than most of my coworkers, and though my writing may not be quite as good as theirs, it has improved and continues to do so.

As a final note, I should mention that this booked helped me only because I was very motivated to improve my writing.I have read each chapter multiple times, and practiced what I read by parsing sentences in the newspaper.And though my writing is much improved, I still spend quite a bit of time reviewing everything I write, making sure it follows the rules this book has taught me; however, with continued practice I expect that proper writing will eventually come with ease. ... Read more

Product Description
This brief, spiral-bound handbook is ideal for writers who want a clear, concise, user-friendly reference beside them while they write.Its easy-to-navigate coverage offers a wide variety of traditional topics and ESL tips as well as the most current information on writing with computers, conducting online research, and using MLA, APA, Chicago Manual, CBE and COS citation formats. It also covers all major areas of grammar and mechanics, conducting research in libraries, using the World Wide Web as a resource, documenting and evaluating both print and electronic sources, document design, and writing résumés and cover letters.For writers or anyone that needs to write in their everyday lives who would benefit from a clear and concise guide to writing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

I'm not sure what to make of this book
I didn't particularly like this book. I found it difficult to find something when I needed something specific. It was not easy to follow at the best of times. It's not my favorite.

Bought it for class, keeping it for the fun! ;)
I bought this for a writing class I am required to take before I graduate.It is a great resource.I remember buying these when I was just a little freshman and they were never of much worth to me.This one is spiral bound, so it lays flat, it has sample papers to show you exactly how to use the format you need and many exercises that I have admittedly never touched.It will be a good resource for undergrads, graduate students or anyone who is interested in writing a research paper.It also has ample information on how to document electronic sources, which most guides tend to skimp on.

Prentice Hall Reference
This item was in good qualities, but it took a while for me to receive it. This book has very interesting information that i am sure will help me in the future. VERY GOOD!

Lots of Wasted Space
I bought this book sight unseen as a desk reference and I am sorry that I did.Technically, it is good reference guide - not the best.There are many concepts and terms that are not explained in the body of the text.Rather, as you are reading up on a particular topic,instead of defining the key terms, you are forced to flip through the glossary at the end of the text.

Example, page 100: "Forms of the verb that end in -ing, called gerunds..."Well, he author never mentions the fact that gerunds are used as nouns.This you learn from going to the glossary (P. 555)

This sort of thing happens all the time. Ahhhh!!

My second issue has to do with the excessive number of mind-numbing number of practice exercises.They alone take up 30% to 40% of the text.I think it is a great idea to practice what you are trying to learn but guess what?There is no answer key provided.

Why is it that you can get a solutions manual (at least odd number)to every math text ever produced but every other discipline restricts them to instructors only.It is so, so annoying.If anyone knows how to get resources reserved for instructors, please let me know.

Bottomline, you are not getting your money's worth with this writer's reference guide.Muriel, I expected better from your textbook.

Keep forever
This is a wonder tool for writing.I'm keeping it for me and my kids. ... Read more

Product Description
Master the basics of the English language with BASIC GRAMMAR AND USAGE! Covering the important rules of grammar, usage, and syntax, this developmental English book provides you with clear explanations and numerous examples to help you succeed. Exercises help you strengthen your grammar and the book-specific website has grammar reviews that ensure that you master the material. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very easy for some, difficult for others!
This book that we're using in my humanities class has proven to be easy for me to understand, albeit English is my second language, and then it has proven to be quite a challenge to some of my classmates that were 'born with the language'.

Excellent book
Basic Grammar and Usage book is an excellent tool for ESL classes. It is clear enough to understand by yourself English grammar without a problem.

Very Happy!!!
This book was in perfect condition and came very quickly.Thanks for great service!

A User Friendly Grammar Book
Fianally, a grammar book that everyone can relate to!
The authors write their lessons clearly and provide many fine examples and exercises to reinforce the lessons.This excellent text covers everything I need to teach my high school and college age students.After 12 years of teaching, this is the first grammar book I have encountered that my students actually enjoy using and don't toss at the end of the class.

Great book for quick grammar review
I used this book for my GMAT preparation. It is a great book for quickly reviewing the grammar. If you want in depth understanding look for "English Grammar and Composition" by Warriner's ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent for beginning or ESL student
I got this book for my girlfriend who is an ESL student. It is very clear to both native English and English as a Second Language students. There are lots of examples and lots of exercises, with answers in the back. I was surprised by the clarity and completeness of the book. I have a Masters Degree in Computer Science and have done extensive technical technical writing professionally. The book clarified some grammatical usages that I was unsure of!

Tip: Don't buy it new. Textbooks are a rip off. Save $85 and get it used.

Bad
Ive ordered this book and its almost been a week and they havent delivered it yet. I have classes and dont have time for this game.

A simple and easy to understand book for a beginner.
I am using this book for ENG 26 at SF City college. In class, we discussed about how easy and simple this book is.There are tips on how to do better in grammar although not all the tips are really helpful. Some students got confused in "I realized" tip. This book is good for a beginner to really understand " the signals and rules" of a good English. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the best of its (not it's!) kind!!!
I am in the process of brushing up on my grammar, and I've looked at many kinds of workbooks.Most are either too basic or too theory-based.This is a nice combination.

I think it would be helpful for just about any American English-speaker, as our language is full of annoying exceptions and style differences.

My only complaint is that it isn't long enough.May I suggest a "Great Grammar Challenge 2"? ... Read more

Product Description

For introductory and advanced composition courses.

When Muriel Harris was first asked about the textbooks she used for tutoring in her Purdue University writing center, she said she didn't use any.  At that time she hadn't found any text that could effectively help her students. When asked what would make a textbook effective, the answer came easily: 30 years of tutoring experience had taught her that a truly useful textbook would have ways to help students find the information they were looking for without having to know the terminology, would be clear and easy to understand for all students, and would be written in a student-friendly language and tone to avoid the intimidating formal instructional tone of some handbooks. Before long, these principles became the foundation of Harris's Prentice Hall Reference Guide, now its 7th edition. With new material and emphasis on writing research papers, visual argument, multimedia, document design, and a visual guide to documentation, PHRG 7e continues to help students find the information they need.

With easy to find information, clarity of instruction, and a student-friendly language and tone, PHRG 7e continues to help students effectively use and understand their handbook.

Customer Reviews (6)

Very useful
My oldest daughter has an older version of this book and as I was going through its pages I decided to get one for me, even though I do not write at work as much as I used but still I have found it to be very useful.

As Described, exc. cond.
Item arrived in time for class, as expected. Condition was as described and no discriminating marks or missing pages.

Great book
this book is being used in my english class in school and it is helpful because it is brand new and know one has used it yet.

Satisfactry
I am very satisy with the product(book). It was prompt on time and I am looking forward to do business with you again.

Reference Guide
It is the newest edition.I recieved this product in pristine condition at a very reasonable price.Great buy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Good Buy
The book was in great condition, as described, and arrived ahead of schedule.

these are thorough workbooks
These notebooks contain the kind of language arts work that I wanted my kids exposed to in grade school.I knew this would be the kind of work they'd receive in their high school.KIDS ARE NOT BEING PREPARED FOR THIS LEVEL OF ENGLISH IN GRADE SCHOOLS ANYMORE AND ARE GETTING A TRIAL BY FIRE FOR IT WHEN THEY ENTER HIGH SCHOOL. I really felt this book covered alot but sometimes I found better explainations for the work they were wanting done on a topic in other language books. There is a companion hardback book that can be bought seperately for this coursework... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Start to Finish Teaching Aid
McDougal Littell produces some of the best English curricula in existence for middle and high school. Their Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics books are wonderful. They contain reteaching, more practice, and application worksheets that facilitate learning/teaching. With a bit of teaching creativity, lesson planning challenges become a thing of the past when these books are used in conjunction with the textbook! I use them for my sixth grade through high school English classes.

Great book
This book was to replace one my son lost that was needed for school.The book came in a timely manner.The material is very helpful to my son.The work pages have a lot of information that is great for practice as well as learning.

Grammar, usage and Mechanics Book: Grade 7
Thew book arrived quickly and invery new condition.
Thank you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics - Grade 6
I purchased this book to help my grandson with his grammar.Now, what I really need is the book that gives me the correct answers, so I don't make a mistake correcting his work. I find the book very helpful working with my grandson. ... Read more

Product Description
Hammer's German Grammar and Usage has long occupied a pre-eminent position in the field of German studies. Unrestricted to the formal written language, it is firmly based on current usage, covering all the main grammatical phenomena of German and embracing regional variations of the modern standard language. The combination of reference grammar and manual of current usage has proved invaluable for students and teachers of German at intermediate and advanced level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Wow
My wife and I have been trying to self-teach ourselves German for years, and we still have absolutely no clue about the intricacies of the language. When do you use what gender? How do ab_en verbs work again? And conjugation- it's a mess.

Until you pick up Hammer's German Grammar and Usage. There's so much in here that's left completely out of other books. I'm quite fluent in German alcohol, but I never realized that there's such a simple pattern to the gender (der everything, except for das Bier). These simple facts are laid out with perfect clarity in this book, when they're totally absent from most others. The format of such rules is even blindingly simple- "Rule: ... Exceptions:", and that's it. No unnecessary fluff, just the facts of the language printed clearly for your reference.

I could go on about this book, but I'll leave it at this: This is *the* book for self-learning German grammar. If you want to learn German, or even if you know German but you just need a grammar refresher, you must get this book.

Great resource
This is probably the best you can get. It gives detailed explanations of any problems you may encounter in learning German and quite often really useful tips at how to simplify things. If you're like me it's best to use this book together with tons of reading material so that you can get enough practice. I can never remember all the grammar, inflections and other forms without seeing them in writing many times when reading books (they have to be entertaining).
Recently I read Die Biene Maja und Ihre Abenteuer (German Edition) and Bissula (German Edition); great books that make German grammar fun!

See my list "Great German Books".

Prima!
This book is absolutely amazing! I have taken German for about three years in college and two in graduate school. All of those "exceptions" to the rule are explained in detail with plenty of examples. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to master the language, teach, or to the intermediate to advanced student.

Hammer's German Grammar and Usage
An excellent reference for beginning, intermediate, and advanced German speakers.Explanations are clear and thorough.I should have purchased this book years ago!

The Book I Want On A Desert Island
This is hands-down the single book I would want to have if stranded on a desert island.Words cannot describe the awesomeness that is this book.Mr. Durrell's masterpiece demands superlatives.As far as printed material goes, this is all you need to go from intermediate to fluent in German.(Of course you still need to practice speaking, listening, and writing to become fluent).I am a U.S. citizen now living in Germany, and this book vastly improved my German.I can't say enough about it.Get it!Keep a copy next to your bed and review a chapter before you sleep.What makes it so good?It's comprehensive without being watered down.It's dense and succinct without lacking necessary examples.It's accurate - I have impressed native speakers with my command of German word usage learned from this book.Simply wonderful! ... Read more