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Uncovering Grammar (Teacher Development S.)

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Scott Thronbury's "Uncovering Grammar" is not a detailed descriptive analysis of English grammar. It is basically a new suggestion of how to view grammar and a discussion of the implications such a view would have for the EFL classroom. Weighing in a mere 122 pages, this is not a seriously heavy book.

Thornbury proposes to see grammar not as an object of study, but as a process, much like as a verb rather than a noun. He also suggests the term "grammaring" to encompass this new concept of grammar. The entire book consistently links itself back to second language acquisition research, especially some of the more important findings. In fact, the book also serves well as an introduction to some key second language acquisition concepts and terminology, (a bonus there!).

The style and accessibility of the book is relaxed and easily grasped, as is usual for Thornbury's very practical way of presenting ideas. Along these lines, Thornbury also relates a lot to the classroom environment and also supplies a load of student-generated examples. At the end of the book are a series of task sheets that can be used in class.

Overall, this is a refreshing look at the whole grammar thing and getting a new angle on an old problem. I found this is to be a refreshing book and one that I certainly gained a lot from. Definitely recommended if you can get it.