Customer Reviews

Berlitz French Grammar Handbook (Handbooks)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bravo to Berlitz for having produced a one-stop comprehensive source of information on the French language. I find Berlitz French Grammar Handbook to be invaluable in its depth, clarity and precision in explaining and deciphering often incredibily difficult concepts in French.
This handbook can be used either as a strict grammar reference or to acquire a general or specific understanding of most aspects of French grammar. It may also be used as one of several means of acquiring a working knowledge of the `syntax' of the language.
Syntax means `word order' or how words fit together to convey meaning. I find the handbook to be quite good at demonstrating common everyday syntax in a simple fashion by means of the direct examples it provides.
Fortunately, this grammar handbook does not assume that you know the meanings of different grammatical terms. It contains abundant explanations for each specific point of French grammar and there are always complete explanations provided for all grammatical terms. The way in which the classic grammatical term and explanation is followed immediately by a practical example of everyday use is one of Berlitz Grammar Handbook's greatest strengths.
Another major plus to this grammar handbook is the huge number of practical and authentic mini-monologues which utilize different points of grammar in actual real-life contexts to illustrate a point of grammar as it's really spoken.
It is obvious that Bertlitz intended this manual for individuals who actually wish to `use' their French in real life situations. The handbook also makes clear which constructions are only for formal and not everyday use.
Overall, I recommend Berlitz French Grammar Handbook as a very good reference guide and learning tool for French. With Berlitz French Grammar Handbook you will be satisfied whether your are a complete novice or a language expert. It literally has something for everyone.
MARK FROBOSE/ AUTHOR OF THE BEHIND THE WHEEL CD COURSES IN SPANISH, FRENCH, ITALIAN, GERMAN, PORTUGUESE, CHINESE, JAPANESE, & ARABIC

This is a nice compact volume. It's by no means an authoritative or exhaustive reference work, but for a beginner or an intermediate-level student of French, this book serves its purpose as a handy quick reference that covers the essentials of French grammar. It's nothing special, but it's worth having unless you really need something large and technical.

This book has really been helpful in my studies. I have forgotten most of the French I took in high school, but now that I am getting back into it, I am glad I have this little guy at hand. It is easy to look up information, and breaks things down with out dumbing it down too much. It's definitely for writing and reading purposes, so if you are looking for phonetic spelling of words for pronunciation try a basic book like Idiot's Guide or French for Dummies. Bonne chance!

As long as you have a basic introduction to French, this book is a great reference to advance your verbal and written communication.