The Joy of Grammar


Book Description

Two threads run through this collection of 22 papers by students and colleagues of James D. McCawley. The first is a commitment to deep reflection on the direction of linguistic study, sometimes resulting in challenges to the writings of major figures or new appreciations, sometimes questioning our assumptions about the organization of linguistic information in the mind. The second thread is a shared sense of the requirements for the rigor of a good linguistic argument, that its presentation be thoroughgoing, straightforward and clearly made. There is a strong emphasis on testing the “party line” with the widest possible range of languages and the strongest possible set of linguistic tests. Demonstrating bugs and strategizing over the choice between competing analyses is not enough. The completion of an argument lies in constructing a better alternative.




The Joy of Syntax


Book Description

Language columnist June Casagrande presents a fun and breezy guide to everything a grown-up interested in grammar needs to know. When it comes to grammar, it seems like everyone—even die-hard word nerds—feel they "missed something" in school. The Joy of Syntax picks up where sixth grade left off, providing a fresh foundation in English syntax served up by someone with an impressive record of making this otherwise inaccessible subject a true joy. With simple, pithy information on everything from basic parts of speech and sentence structure to usage and grammar pitfalls, this guide provides everything you need to approach grammar with confidence.




Explaining English Grammar


Book Description

This book is intended for teachers of English.




English Grammar and Teaching Strategies


Book Description

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.




Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies


Book Description

What do suicidal pandas, doped-up rock stars, and a naked Pamela Anderson have in common? They’re all a heck of a lot more interesting than reading about predicate nominatives and hyphens. June Casagrande knows this and has invented a whole new twist on the grammar book. Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies is a laugh-out-loud funny collection of anecdotes and essays on grammar and punctuation, as well as hilarious critiques of the self-appointed language experts. Chapters include: I’m Writing This While Naked—The Oh-So Steamy Predicate Nominative Semicolonoscopy—Colons, Semicolons, Dashes, and Other Probing Annoyances I’ll Take "I Feel Like a Moron" for $200, Alex—When to Put Punctuation Inside Quotation Marks Snobbery Up with Which You Should Not Put Up—Prepositions Is That a Dangler in Your Memo or Are You Just Glad to See Me? Hyphens—Life-Sucking, Mom-and-Apple-Pie-Hating, Mime-Loving, Nerd-Fight-Inciting Daggers of the Damned Casagrande delivers practical and fun language lessons not found anywhere else, demystifying the subject and taking it back from the snobs. In short, it’s a grammar book people will actually want to read—just for the fun of it.




Gwynne's Grammar


Book Description

"Crushing national Debt? Climate Change? No: the greatest danger to our way of life is the decline of grammar. Thus preaches the inimitable Mr Gwynne as he shows us the way out of this sorry state. "Grammar is the science of using words rightly, leading to thinking rightly, leading to deciding rightly, without which-as both common sense and experience show-happiness is impossible. Therefore, happiness depends at least partly on good grammar." So writes Mr. Gwynne in his small but perfectly formed new book of grammar with an attitude. Mr. Gwynne believes passionately that we must regain our knowledge of the workings of our language before it is too late. Schools don't teach it, and as the Internet drives the written word to new lows of informality, we approach a tipping point of expressive dysfunction. Into the breach steps this doughty grammarian. Rejecting popular notions that language is simply a matter of the way people use it, he meticulously spells out what tradition and common sense have, over centuries, dictated to be the right and the wrong. His teaching method is also defiantly old school: no one can follow a rule he hasn't committed to memory. But not all rules are equal. For a country whose only broadly subscribed guide to writing is Strunk and White, Mr. Gwynne performs a radical procedure. He presents its original seed: Strunk's 1918 essay, which E. B. White expanded. But neither form was ever meant as a guide to grammar, and so Mr. Gwynne presents only the kernel of Strunk's useful advice as a companion: a guide to putting words together nicely set within Gwynne's wisdom about putting them together correctly. The result is the last word on the subject anyone should need"--




The Glamour of Grammar


Book Description

Early in the history of English, the words "grammar" and "glamour" meant the same thing: the power to charm. Roy Peter Clark, author of Writing Tools, aims to put the glamour back in grammar with this fun, engaging alternative to stuffy instructionals. In this practical guide, readers will learn everything from the different parts of speech to why effective writers prefer concrete nouns and active verbs. The Glamour of Grammar gives readers all the tools they need to"live inside the language" -- to take advantage of grammar to perfect their use of English, to instill meaning, and to charm through their writing. With this indispensable book, readers will come to see just how glamorous grammar can be.




English Grammar Instruction That Works!


Book Description

"Andrew and Evelyn Rothstein have given teachers a model for teaching the structure of our language with fun and interesting strategies that can be used at all grade levels. They show teachers how to take grammar instruction from a stand-alone subject to an integral part of a complete literacy program." —Kim Whitling, Fifth-Grade Inclusion Teacher Franklinville Central School, NY Build strong grammar skills to help students become better readers, writers, and communicators! With today′s diverse and standards-driven classroom environment, teachers are eager for a new approach to grammar instruction—one that builds understanding of the structure and nuances of English. This practical guide points the way to fun, engaging, and effective grammar teaching for Grades K–12. Designed for classroom teachers, this resource covers grammar fundamentals that support vocabulary and writing skills. Readers will discover teaching strategies that encourage creativity and critical thought, based on a realistic approach to children′s language development. This guide provides: Clear explanations of grammatical terms as a refresher for teachers Easy-to-implement classroom activities, including examples and word play from children′s literature Appropriate techniques for a broad audience of students, with specific suggestions for English language learners Background on the development of English as a global language, promoting students′ respect for diverse cultures A teaching approach that supports the National Council of Teachers of English standards for English language arts Help your students develop a deep understanding of English grammar and build a solid foundation for academic achievement and lifelong communications skills.




Gwynne's Grammar


Book Description

Anxious about apostrophes? In a pickle over your pronouns and prepositions? Fear not—Mr. Gwynne is here with his wonderfully concise and highly enjoyable book of grammar. Within these pages, adults and children alike will find all they need to rediscover this lost science and sharpen up their skills. Mr. Gwynne believes that happiness depends at least partly on good grammar—and Mr. Gwynne is never wrong.




The Joy Of English


Book Description

This is a pencil-sharp book about English for anyone who ever needs to write. In an easy-to-read style, it offers accessible and constructive advice to help you improve your English skills. It targets common pitfalls and those troublesome areas of English usage that affect everyone, no matter what their level of competence. It exposes several language myths and is bursting with 1,500 examples of both right and wrong usage. The Joy of English cuts to the heart of what readers want: help with their English. Its 100 short chapters provide answers to the questions that we are too afraid to ask - amateurs and professionals alike. Questions such as: Who versus whom? Less versus fewer? As versus because? In contrast to versus by contrast? Further versus farther? Learned versus learnt? Imply versus infer? Practice versus practise? Provided versus providing? While versus whilst? We live in the information age. Never in history has the need to communicate been so great. Everyone can improve their language skills. The Joy of English puts you on the path to new levels of competence and confidence.