A Descriptive Grammar of English: Modern English grammar by example

"Grammar" can often be seen as a dull and complicated art, with all sorts of dusty and quirky rules that are hard to understand and even harder to explain. This Descriptive Grammar of English - by example - shakes off the dust to present the essential principles of modern English grammar as clearly as possible, showing the simple rules that determine the standard practices of modern English, both in writing and in speech, and illustrating their use through hundreds of simple examples and familiar expressions. Most native speakers generally follow the essential rules of English grammar as if by intuition; in many cases they will be quite unaware of what the rules are... even that they exist. But rules or principles or guidelines do exist, and without them it would be very difficult to communicate properly and coherently. Grammar is the highway code of any language, and people need either to learn it, or to absorb it subconsciously, in order to speak or write proficiently. Children master the rudiments of grammar in their native language by hearing, remembering, repeating and experimenting; and up to a point this is sufficient for everyday communication. However beyond a certain level, and more importantly when learning a second or foreign language, some awareness of the rules and principles of grammar becomes useful, and in many situations, vital. Some understanding of grammar is indeed essential for anyone wanting to teach English whether it be to native speakers or as a foreign language. By highlighting (literally) hundreds of short sentences and expressions, this Descriptive Grammar of English clearly illustrates and succinctly explains the rules that govern acceptable usage of the English language today. Where necessary, it uses colour coding to show up pertinent points and to contrast different structures or functions. This is not a grammar book for grammarians; it's a grammar book for anyone, and no prior knowledge of linguistics is required. As befits any discussion of grammar, it uses the expressions or jargon that are required to explain grammar, but also explains them by including a glossary of grammatical terms which will be of value to most readers. Originally conceived for the benefit of non-native speakers of English, particularly advanced EFL and ESL students and teachers of English as a foreign or second language, it is also very much suited for school and home use in English-speaking countries. In short it is for anyone who is looking for clear and example-based explanations of how English works and is written and spoken. It covers all the main points of English grammar in a way that is understandable to any student. As well as explaining the essential aspects of English grammar, such as verbs and nouns and adjectives, it includes succinct and clearly illustrated sections on such important points as style word order and punctuation. It distinguishes where appropriate between the usages of written and spoken English, and between British English and American English. All the points covered in this grammar are copiously illustrated with examples from everyday English, including memorable and familiar expressions that are hard to forget. Children are not the only ones who learn their grammar by example.

(This book is also available in French: Search for "Grammaire Descriptive".)This is a Grammar of English for the 2020s, bringing together the attention to detail of a university grammar with the clear examples and simple explanations of a grammar that is accessible to all. Described by its first independent reviewer as "comprehensive, simple and logical" this Descriptive Grammar of English - by example - not only explains the workings of contemporary English grammar in a clear and understandable way, but shows how simple the underlying rules really are. This is a grammar book that answers the questions that students ask, with explanations that teachers can use - a book that goes into the nitty-gritty detail of English grammar not to show how complicated it is, but to demonstrate the mostly simple rules that lie behind contemporary English, both in writing and in speech. Illustrated with hundreds of examples from everyday written and spoken English, it pays particular attention to the tricky questions that often baffle speakers of other languages, such as the use of articles and determiners, or of conjunctions and connectors, when to use an 's or an of for possession, which past tense to use, and other sometimes confusing points. How is it that native speakers seem to know by intuition how to put adjectives in the right order? What's the difference between "couldn't have" and "wasn't able to", and so on? More generally it clarifies the essential patterns of English grammar that many native speakers know how to use but cannot explain. In English, as in other languages, most native-speakers usually follow the essential rules of grammar as if by intuition; in many cases they will be quite unaware of what the rules are... even that they exist. But rules or principles or guidelines do exist, and without them it would be very difficult to communicate properly and coherently. Grammar is the highway code of any language, and people need either to learn it, or to absorb it subconsciously or by example, as children do, in order to speak or write proficiently. An understanding of the basic rules of grammar is particularly essential for anyone wanting to teach English whether to native speakers or as a foreign language - especially to speakers of other languages, who may never be in a situation where they can absorb English from others around them. By highlighting (literally) hundreds of short sentences and expressions, this new Grammar of English clearly illustrates and succinctly explains the rules that govern acceptable usage of the English language today. And where extra clarity is needed, it uses colour coding to stress pertinent points and to contrast different structures or functions. This is a grammar book for anyone, and no prior knowledge of linguistics is required. Talking about grammar however requires the use of the terminology of grammar, words that may not be familiar to all readers, and for this reason the book concludes with a glossary of grammatical terms.Originally conceived for the benefit of non-native speakers of English, particularly in the world of TESOL, it is also very much suited school and home use in English-speaking countries. In short it is for anyone who is looking for clear and example-based explanations of how English works and is written and spoken. As well as explaining the essential aspects of English grammar, it includes succinct and clearly illustrated sections on such important points as style word-order and punctuation. It distinguishes where appropriate between the usages of written and spoken English, and between British English and American English. All the points covered in this grammar are copiously illustrated with examples from everyday English, including memorable and familiar expressions that are hard to forget. Children are not the only ones who learn their grammar by example.

(This book is also available in French

"Rossiter's book fills a gap in the market" EL Gazette, November 2020

**********

- This is a reference Grammar of English for the 2020s, thorough, complete, original, clearly explained and accessible to all.

It covers in detail all the essential points of English grammar, but leaves aside the complicating details that may be of interest to linguistis but are of little relevance for teachers and students in the real life situations of school, home study or language classes. It's a book that should be in every school library and on the bookshelf of all English teachers and advanced students who understand the importance of grammar.

Described by its first independent reviewer as comprehensive, simple and logical this book not only explains the workings of contemporary English grammar in a clear and understandable way, but shows how simple the underlying rules really are.

This is a grammar book that answers the questions that students ask, with explanations that teachers can use - a book that goes into the nitty-gritty detail of English grammar not to show how complicated it is, but to demonstrate the mostly simple rules that lie behind contemporary English, both in writing and in speech.

Illustrated with hundreds of examples from everyday written and spoken English, it pays particular attention to the tricky questions that often baffle speakers of other languages, such as the use of articles and determiners, or of conjunctions and connectors, when to use an 's or an of for possession, which past tense to use, and other sometimes confusing points. How is it that native speakers seem to know by intuition how to put adjectives in the right order? What's the difference between "couldn't have" and "wasn't able to", and so on?

More generally it clarifies the essential patterns of English grammar that many native speakers know how to use but cannot explain. In English, as in other languages, most native-speakers usually follow the essential rules of grammar as if by intuition; in many cases they will be quite unaware of what the rules are... even that they exist. But rules or principles or guidelines do exist, and without them it would be very difficult to communicate properly and coherently.

An understanding of the basic rules of grammar is particularly essential for anyone wanting to teach English whether to native speakers or as a foreign language.

By highlighting (literally) hundreds of short sentences and expressions, this new Grammar of English clearly illustrates and succinctly explains the rules that govern acceptable usage of the English language today. And where extra clarity is needed, it uses colour coding to stress pertinent points and to contrast different structures or functions. This is a grammar book for anyone, and no prior knowledge of linguistics is required.

Talking about grammar requires the use of the terminology of grammar, words that may not be familiar to all readers, and for this reason the book concludes with a simply explained glossary of grammatical terms.

Originally conceived for non-native speakers of English, particularly in the world of TESOL, it is also very much suited school and home use in English-speaking countries. In short it is for anyone who is looking for clear and example-based explanations of how English works and is written and spoken. As well as explaining the essential aspects of English grammar, it includes succinct and clearly illustrated sections on style word-order and punctuation. It distinguishes where appropriate between the usages of written and spoken English, and between British English and American English.

All the points covered in this grammar are copiously illustrated with examples from everyday English.

Thoroughly revised version - April 2021
More examples, more cross-references, more explanations.
* "Rossiter's book fills a gap in the market" EL Gazette, November 2020
* This is a reference Grammar of English for the 2020s, thorough, complete, original, clearly explained and accessible to all.

* Covering in detail all the essential points of English grammar, with multiple examples and clear explanations, this is a grammar book that avoids the complex linguistic jargon that is so common to many books on English grammar.
* Designed to cater specifically for the needs of teachers and students in the real life situations of school, university, home study or language classes, this is a grammar book that explains the everyday rules and principles of English in the 21st century.
* Through clear principles and many hundreds of relevant examples, this learner-targeted book sets out to show how simple basic English grammar really is - not how complicated it can be. With reference to both written and spoken English, it highlights the essential principles of contemporary English, emphasising the simplicity of the main rules rather than the complexities of some of the exceptions.

* Described by its first independent reviewer as comprehensive, simple and logical this book not only takes the mystery out of English grammar, but also answers many of the questions that students (and teachers) ask, providing explanations that teachers can use and students can understand. Whenever appropriate, it distinguishes between written English and spoken English, and British and American usage.
* Illustrated with many hundreds of examples from everyday English, this book pays particular attention to the tricky questions that often baffle speakers of other languages, such as the use of articles and determiners, or of conjunctions and connectors, or when to use an 's or an of for possession, which past tense to use, and other sometimes confusing points.
* It is also of great value for native English speakers, clearly describing many aspects of English grammar that native speakers seem to master intuitively, but are at a loss to explain. How is it that native speakers seem to know by intuition how to put adjectives in the right order? What's the difference between "couldn't have" and "wasn't able to", between "don't have" and "haven't", and so on?

* Native English speakers usually follow the essential rules of grammar, but few know what the rules are... or even, in many cases, that rules exist. But rules or principles or guidelines do exist, and without them it would be very difficult to communicate properly and coherently. As a descriptive grammar, this book shows by example how English is used today, and explains the principles or rules that define this usage.

* Using colour coding to stress pertinent points and contrast different structures or functions, this descriptive grammar relates practice to theory with a visual clarity that is understandable to any reader.
* While no prior knowledge of linguistics is required, grammar cannot be explained without the use of specific terminology, and for this reason the book concludes with a simply explained glossary of essential grammatical terms.

* Originally conceived for non-native speakers of English, particularly in the world of TESOL, this book is equally suited for school and home use in English-speaking countries. In short it is for anyone who is looking for clear and example-based explanations of how English works and is written and spoken. As well as explaining the essentials of English grammar, it includes succinct and clearly illustrated sections on style, word-order and punctuation.

Thoroughly revised version - April 2021
More examples, more cross-references, more explanations.
* "A Descriptive Grammar of English contains much to recommend it. If you are looking for an affordable e-book or a more accessible reference, this could be for you (or your students)" Reviewed in English Australia journal, 2021
* This is a reference Grammar of English for the 2020s, thorough, complete, original, clearly explained and accessible to all.

* Covering in detail all the essential points of English grammar, with multiple examples and clear explanations, this is a grammar book that avoids the complex linguistic jargon that is so common to many books on English grammar.
* Designed to cater specifically for the needs of teachers and students in the real life situations of school, university, home study or language classes, this is a grammar book that explains the everyday rules and principles of English in the 21st century.
* Through clear principles and many hundreds of relevant examples, this learner-targeted book sets out to show how simple basic English grammar really is - not how complicated it can be. With reference to both written and spoken English, it highlights the essential principles of contemporary English, emphasising the simplicity of the main rules rather than the complexities of some of the exceptions.

* Described by its first independent reviewer as comprehensive, simple and logical this book not only takes the mystery out of English grammar, but also answers many of the questions that students (and teachers) ask, providing explanations that teachers can use and students can understand. Whenever appropriate, it distinguishes between written English and spoken English, and British and American usage.
* Illustrated with many hundreds of examples from everyday English, this book pays particular attention to the tricky questions that often baffle speakers of other languages, such as the use of articles and determiners, or of conjunctions and connectors, or when to use an 's or an of for possession, which past tense to use, and other sometimes confusing points.
* It is also of great value for native English speakers, clearly describing many aspects of English grammar that native speakers seem to master intuitively, but are at a loss to explain. How is it that native speakers seem to know by intuition how to put adjectives in the right order? What's the difference between "couldn't have" and "wasn't able to", between "don't have" and "haven't", and so on?

* Native English speakers usually follow the essential rules of grammar, but few know what the rules are... or even, in many cases, that rules exist. But rules or principles or guidelines do exist, and without them it would be very difficult to communicate properly and coherently. As a descriptive grammar, this book shows by example how English is used today, and explains the principles or rules that define this usage.

* Using colour coding to stress pertinent points and contrast different structures or functions, this descriptive grammar relates practice to theory with a visual clarity that is understandable to any reader.
* While no prior knowledge of linguistics is required, grammar cannot be explained without the use of specific terminology, and for this reason the book concludes with a simply explained glossary of essential grammatical terms.

* Originally conceived for non-native speakers of English, particularly in the world of TESOL, this book is equally suited for school and home use in English-speaking countries. In short it is for anyone who is looking for clear and example-based explanations of how English works and is written and spoken. As well as explaining the essentials of English grammar, it includes succinct and clearly illustrated sections on style, word-order and punctuation.

Thoroughly revised version - April 2021
More examples, more cross-references, more explanations.

• Reviewed in EFL Magazine, 2021. "This is a useful reference book to have on hand when planning for and teaching grammar lessons. The clarity of explanations and wealth of examples, alongside helpful visual keys, provide both new and experienced teachers with something easy to dip into, regardless of the language level they are teaching."
• Reviewed in English Australia journal, 2021 "A Descriptive Grammar of English contains much to recommend it. If you are looking for an affordable e-book or a more accessible reference, this could be for you (or your students)."

This is a reference Grammar of English for the 2020s, thorough, complete, original, clearly explained and accessible to all.

Covering in detail all the essential points of English grammar, with multiple examples and clear explanations, this is a grammar book that avoids the complex linguistic jargon that is so common to many books on English grammar.
Designed to cater specifically for the needs of teachers and students in the real life situations of school, university, home study or language classes, this is a grammar book that explains the everyday rules and principles of English in the 21st century.

Through clear principles and many hundreds of relevant examples, this learner-targeted book sets out to show how simple basic English grammar really is - not how complicated it can be. With reference to both written and spoken English, it highlights the essential principles of contemporary English, emphasising the simplicity of the main rules rather than the complexities of some of the exceptions.

Described by its first independent reviewer as comprehensive, simple and logical this book not only takes the mystery out of English grammar, but also answers many of the questions that students (and teachers) ask, providing explanations that teachers can use and students can understand. Whenever appropriate, it distinguishes between written English and spoken English, and British and American usage.

Illustrated with many hundreds of examples from everyday English, this book pays particular attention to the tricky questions that often baffle speakers of other languages, such as the use of articles and determiners, or of conjunctions and connectors, or when to use an 's or an of for possession, which past tense to use, and other sometimes confusing points.

It is also of great value for native English speakers, clearly describing many aspects of English grammar that native speakers seem to master intuitively, but are at a loss to explain. How is it that native speakers seem to know by intuition how to put adjectives in the right order? What's the difference between "couldn't have" and "wasn't able to", between "don't have" and "haven't", and so on?

Native English speakers usually follow the essential rules of grammar, but few know what the rules are... or even, in many cases, that rules exist. As a descriptive grammar, this book shows by example how English is used today, and explains the principles or rules that define this usage.

* Using colour coding to stress pertinent points and contrast different structures or functions, this descriptive grammar relates practice to theory with a visual clarity that is understandable to any reader.

* Originally conceived for non-native speakers of English, particularly in the world of TESOL, this book is equally suited for school and home use in English-speaking countries. In short it is for anyone who is looking for clear and example-based explanations of how English works and is written and spoken.