Functional English Grammar: An Introduction for Second Language Teachers (Cambridge Language Education) (Paperback)

by Graham Lock (Author) "This chapter will consider the nature of functional grammar and its relevance to language learning and teaching..." (more)
Key Phrases: declarative mood clauses, following noun groups, imperative mood clauses, Circumstantial Adjunct, Conjunctive Adjuncts, Modal Adjuncts (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'This highly academic, yet practical approach to grammar makes a very stimulating read, and expressly illustrates how "grammar lies at the heart of communication".' From Spoken English, 1997

'This book presents grammar as a functional resource for creating meaning. It assumes no previous knowledge of English grammar, yet as an introduction it is pretty thorough.' 'This book is practical, with its feet firmly on the ground; it is positive and thought-provoking, and merits inclusion in any TD SIG member's library.' Teacher Development No. 35, 1997

Product Description
This book provides second language teachers with a functional description of English grammar, in which grammar is viewed not as a set of rules but as a communicative resource. It explores ways in which English grammar enables speakers and writers to represent their experience of the world, to interact with one another, and to create coherent messages. Each chapter includes a focus on areas of difficulty for second language learners, numerous authentic examples, tasks which allow the reader to apply the concepts introduced, and discussion questions. A final chapter covers issues in the learning and teaching of grammar and reviews methodological options for the second or foreign language classroom. Functional English Grammar assumes no previous study of linguistics or English grammar. It is suitable for self-study or as a textbook in teacher education programs.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 27, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521459222
• ISBN-13: 978-0521459228
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #409,447 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Actually Pretty Cool!, November 4, 2007

By	Bu-chan (Aotearoa) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Straight up, I really like this book. I have seen a few functional grammar books, or books that have "leaned" in that direction, and they have either been very close to Murphy-esque stuff or have been very complex, like Halliday's formidable tome. Lock seems to have found a balance of function and understandable content.

The book is logically organised and represents good chunks of information arranged according to various functions. Noun groups, ("representing things"), various verbs, complex sentences, speech acts and a whole tonne more are there. Each chapter has a decent amount of detail, lots of examples illustrating the point and giving everything a good overall coverage. The bottom line is that there is virtually no strain on the reader in getting their head around it all. Lock is very succinct and wastes no paper or words.

All in all, Graham Lock's "Functional Grammar" is a great resource for teachers, and one that should be counted on the bookselves of anyone wanting a good functional explanation of grammatical aspects of English. As mentioned, I REALLY like this book and found it very useful.