A New Approach to English Grammar, on Semantic Principles

A New Approach to English Grammar, on Semantic Principles
Author: Robert M. W. Dixon
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 398
Release: 1992
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9780198240570

Linguists often portray grammar as a kind of self-sufficient algebra. R. M. W. Dixon offers a new approach, starting from the premiss that a speaker codes a 'meaning' into grammatical forms in order to communicate them to a hearer, who recovers the 'meaning'. He investigates theinterrelation of grammar and meaning, and uncovers a rationale for the varying grammatical properties of different words-why, for instance, we can say I wish to go and I wish that he would go, and then I want to go but not I want that he should go.In the first part of the book there is a review of some of the main points of English syntax, followed by a discussion of English verbs in terms of 'semantic types'. About thirty of these types are examined, including verbs of Motion, of Giving, of Thinking, of Speaking, of Liking, and of Typing.In the last part of the book the author looks in detail at five grammatical topics: complement clauses, which can fill subject or object slot in a main clause; the question of transitivity and causatives; passives of all kinds; promotion of a non-subject to subject slot, as in Dictionaries sellwellR; and the relation between constructions such as They walked and They had a walk, She punched him and She gave him a punchR, and He looked and He took a look.

English Grammar in Steps with Answers

English Grammar in Steps with Answers
Author: David Bolton
Publisher:
Total Pages: 344
Release: 2014-07-01
Genre: English language
ISBN: 9788466817530

"...a concise reference and practice grammar book for pre-intermediate to upper intermediate students. The grammatical structures covered are particularly relevant for students preparing for the Cambridge English: First exam (known as First Certificate in English, or FCE). It is available with or without answers and is ideal both for self-study and classroom use."--Cover.

English Grammar

English Grammar
Author: Roger Berry
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 274
Release: 2018-04-27
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1351164953

Routledge English Language Introductions cover core areas of language study and are one-stop resources for students. Assuming no prior knowledge, books in the series offer an accessible overview of the subject, with activities, study questions, sample analyses, commentaries and key readings – all in the same volume. The innovative and flexible 'two-dimensional' structure is built around four sections – introduction, development, exploration and extension –which offer self-contained stages for study. Each topic can also be read across these sections, enabling the reader to build gradually on the knowledge gained. English Grammar: provides a wide-ranging introduction to English grammar, drawing on a variety of international authentic texts, including newspapers, novels and academic texts, to help learners understand concepts and theories in more depth; is written in clear, concise prose in order to present basic concepts and key terms in an accessible way to learners with little or no background in grammar instruction; emphasises the autonomy of the learner through activities and exercises which are suited to both native speakers and learners of English alike; includes a selection of readings from key academics in the field including Michael Halliday, Michael McCarthy, Caroline Coffin and John Sinclair. Drawing on the strengths of the original textbook, this second edition features: new readings from Christian Jones, Daniel Waller and Thomas E. Payne; revised questions, suggestions and issues to consider; and a brand new companion website featuring interactive audio files of authentic spoken English, links to further reading and new grammar tasks. Written by an experienced teacher and researcher, this accessible textbook is an essential resource for all students of English language and linguistics.

Harper's English Grammar

Harper's English Grammar
Author: John Baker Opdycke
Publisher: Grand Central Pub
Total Pages: 286
Release: 1983
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 9780446311847

An explanation of correct oral and written English usage emphasizing the approach of structural linguistics

A Course Book in English Grammar

A Course Book in English Grammar
Author: Dennis Freeborn
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 363
Release: 1995-07-05
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1349240796

The study of language in written texts and transcripts of speech is greatly helped by a student's abilityBB to identify and describe those prominent features of the grammar which make one variety of English different from another. A Course Book in English Grammar looks at many of the problems encountered by students and encourages them to find their own answers and to assess hypotheses about grammatical description. There are activities at each step, using authentic written and spoken data. Using 'real' texts avoids the faking of evidence to be found in some traditional grammar books, and interesting problems of analysis that arise in such texts are a source of useful discussion. The book has been thoroughly revised and expanded for this second edition, which contains additional chapters and material. A new opening chapter discusses the concept of 'grammatically correct English' and the differences between descriptive, prescriptive and proscriptive approaches to the writing of grammar books. The book is a systematic description of Standard English, and examples of contemporary spoken dialectal grammar are introduced and analysed to illustrate the differences between standard and nonstandard usage. A Course Book in English Grammar will prove invaluable to all students of English Language.

A Student's Introduction to English Grammar

A Student's Introduction to English Grammar
Author: Rodney Huddleston
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 421
Release: 2021-11-25
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1009092731

A new edition of a successful undergraduate textbook on contemporary international Standard English grammar, based on Huddleston and Pullum's earlier award-winning work, The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (2002). The analyses defended there are outlined here more briefly, in an engagingly accessible and informal style. Errors of the older tradition of English grammar are noted and corrected, and the excesses of prescriptive usage manuals are firmly rebutted in specially highlighted notes that explain what older authorities have called 'incorrect' and show why those authorities are mistaken. Intended for students in colleges or universities who have little or no background in grammar or linguistics, this teaching resource contains numerous exercises and online resources suitable for any course on the structure of English in either linguistics or English departments. A thoroughly modern undergraduate textbook, rewritten in an easy-to-read conversational style with a minimum of technical and theoretical terminology.

Ways to Grammar

Ways to Grammar
Author: John Shepherd
Publisher: VCTA
Total Pages: 342
Release: 1990
Genre: English language
ISBN: 9780333544396

This book aims to introduce and practise the major points of English grammar.

Webster's New World English Grammar Handbook

Webster's New World English Grammar Handbook
Author: Kate Shoup
Publisher: Wiley
Total Pages: 408
Release: 2009-04-20
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 9780470410806

The trusted reference—now with on-the-go access Whether you're in school or out in the work world, communicating clearly and correctly is key to your success. With easy-to-understand explanations of grammar rules and plenty of real-world examples and tips, this authoritative reference is just what you need to speak and write with confidence and ease. Now more accessible than ever, this edition has been updated to include: A new chapter on punctuation, including common punctuation mistakes Expanded coverage of commonly misspelled words and variances in spelling More intuitive organization, making it easier to navigate Visual elements that enhance your understanding of specific grammar problems Free online access to portions of the book for an on-the-go reference to commonly misspelled words; common punctuation errors; variances in spelling among the U.S., the U.K., and Canada; and frequently misused words and expressions Lucid, comprehensive, and easy-to-use, this is your go-to guide to get ahead.