Introducing English Grammar

Description: Introducing English Grammar guides readers through the practical analysis of the syntax of English sentences. With all special terms carefully explained as they are introduced, the book is written for readers with no previous experience of grammatical analysis. It is ideal for all beginning students of linguistics, English language, speech pathology, as well as students with primarily literary interests who need to cover the basics of linguistic analysis. The approach taken is in line with current research in grammar, a particular advantage for students who may go on to study syntax in more depth. All the examples and exercises use real language which is taken from newspaper articles, non-standard dialects and includes excerpts from studies of patients with language difficulties. Students are encouraged to think about the terminology as a tool kit for studying language and to test what can and what cannot be described using these tools. Review: The engagingly informal style of this excellent book brings the study of English grammar alive. I particularly admire the way in which grammatical points are copiously exemplified by quotations from real language in everyday use. The text is so well structured and so clearly written that, although it would undoubtedly be a valuable adjunct to a course of lectures, it could also be used by learners studying the subject on their own. -- Professor Katharine Perera One of the few [books] able to cover a lot of ground without being too generally shallow... It is written in a clear, accessible, and reader-orientated style with just the right amount of wit to make it entertaining... the examples taken from daily speech are interesting, well know literature, such as the Lord of the Rings, further help to lower inhibitions on the parts of the students. this is a very useful, clear, accessible and interesting textbook for first-year students of English and / or linguistics... Students dealing with English on the basis of this book will not have the feeling that it is not worth the paper it is printed on; instead they will see that doing grammar can be fun. -- The Linguist List Author Biography: Kersti Borjars, University of Manchester, UK Kate Burridge, Monash University, Australia