Customer Reviews

Essential English Grammar (Dover Language Guides Essential Grammar)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Studying grammar is something most people prefer to avoid. We all know it can help us write better, but we cringe at the thought of "going back to school." I happen to be different: I am a bit of a nerd, and I make my living teaching people to write better at work. After teaching one of my courses, I am often asked by students to name a few good books they can read to continue to improve their writing. This book is the only book I recommend for learning or reviewing grammar.

I tell them the truth: I sat down with a pencil and worked through every lesson and exercise in the book. And I (re)learned a ton. I also tell them that I wrote lightly, because I think I will do it again every few years, just as I do with The Elements of Style. Unfortunately, grammar is a subject that requires periodic review if you are serious about staying sharp in your writing at work. This workbook makes it as painless as possible and costs almost nothing.

I rated this book 5 stars because I think it is superior in all categories for a workbook: comprehensive content, structured lessons, abundant exercises, authoritative author, and low price.

I have read upto page 42 out of total 147 pages (excluding answers to Practice Exercises). I like the book very much and I find it easy to read, logically organised and the coverage and approach is just right! Besides, the book is handy to carry around (smaller than A4 size and not thicker than 200 pages - this is important for non full-time students). Moreover, the practice exercises are realistic enough to test your understanding of what you've read. I highly recommend this book to students, adult learners and really anyone who would like to review ESSENTIAL grammar.

I recently needed to take my teacher certification test and was concerned about remembering all of the essentials related to English grammer. This book did put my mind at ease because it not only provides a basic definition for each grammer term but it also provides several sentence examples. I will definitely use this book as a reference when I begin teaching middle school.

I wholeheartedly agree with the previous review of this textbook. I have been searching a long time for a self-study textbook on English grammar with the features mentioned in the previous review. Besides adult self-study learners, I daresay that this textbook would serve as an excellent companion for students in secondary schools.

I agree with the others' comments on the book. This is a gem of a grammar book. It is simple, clear and it can get you up to speed that I think none other can do. Sample sentences read like real ones, not contrived. A real pleasure to read.

This is probably one of the best books you can find in order to refresh your syntax. Clear, effective and concise, it's a real treasure in my library (a great neighbor to more expensive relatives: Marianne Celce-Murcia 'Grammar Book' and Thomson & Martinet 'Practical English Grammar'). I could never do without it. The exercises at the end of each chapter are of great value, both for the reader and for teaching in class. This book is a MUST, you can get it almost free, pls enjoy !

I love this book. It gives so many examples. It's almost like sitting in a classroom with a "real" teacher. Most books leave you with questions because there isn't a teacher available to help you when you "get stuck". This book comes with the teacher!! It's excellent. I highly recommend it.

P.S. (I am an elementary teacher, and I am studying for the high school English certification exam. This book was all I needed to completely brush up my grammar skills. All I can say is that anyone can follow it, and it gives you a thorough grasp on English grammar.)

"Essential English Grammar" is just that: essential, i.e. basic. I found the cover blurb ("all the grammar really needed for speech and comprehension [...] for a beginner, as a refresher") to be true, for it is indeed a book designed for these individuals. This book is well organized and guides the reader/learner along nicely. And let's not forget the helpful exercises with the answer key at the back of the book.

Any book on grammar can tell you the specifics; this book provides example sentences that test your knowledge. Very easy read; very helpful.

The book is logically organized and has many good examples. It is quite comprehensive and technical in nature, but reading it can be a little dry when compared with books such as the "painless grammar".