Understanding English Grammar (10th Edition)

Specifications

Book Description

**”Understanding English Grammar” (10th Edition)** by Martha Kolln, Loretta Gray, and Joseph Salvatore is a comprehensive guide to the structure and usage of English grammar. This textbook is widely used in linguistics and English language courses, providing students with a clear and detailed understanding of how English grammar works both in theory and in practice.

### **Key Features and Content Overview:**

#### **1. Comprehensive Overview of English Grammar**
– **In-Depth Coverage:** The textbook offers a thorough exploration of English grammar, covering all major aspects such as sentence structure, parts of speech, punctuation, and usage. Each chapter breaks down complex grammatical concepts into understandable segments, making the material accessible for students of all levels.
– **Syntax and Structure:** Detailed explanations of sentence structure and syntax help students understand how words and phrases are organized in English. The book covers everything from simple sentences to complex constructions, providing a solid foundation for analyzing English syntax.

#### **2. Focus on Practical Application**
– **Real-World Examples:** The authors use a wide range of real-world examples to illustrate grammatical concepts, showing how grammar functions in everyday language. This practical approach helps students see the relevance of grammar in their writing and communication.
– **Exercises and Practice:** Each chapter includes numerous exercises designed to reinforce the material and allow students to practice applying grammatical rules. These exercises range from basic identification tasks to more complex sentence construction and revision activities.

#### **3. Integration of Traditional and Modern Approaches**
– **Traditional Grammar and Modern Linguistics:** The book balances traditional grammar instruction with insights from modern linguistics, providing a comprehensive view of English grammar. This integration helps students understand both the historical development of grammar rules and their current usage.
– **Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Grammar:** The text emphasizes the difference between descriptive grammar (how language is actually used) and prescriptive grammar (rules about how language should be used), fostering a more nuanced understanding of grammar.

#### **4. Emphasis on Usage and Style**
– **Style and Clarity:** The textbook addresses issues of style and clarity, teaching students how to use grammar to improve their writing. This includes guidance on choosing the appropriate word forms, avoiding common errors, and employing effective sentence variety.
– **Grammar in Writing:** Special attention is given to grammar as it relates to writing, with chapters focused on crafting coherent and cohesive paragraphs, constructing effective arguments, and editing for grammatical accuracy.

#### **5. Pedagogical Tools and Resources**
– **Learning Objectives and Summaries:** Each chapter begins with learning objectives and ends with summaries that help students focus on the key concepts and review the material they have learned. These tools are designed to enhance comprehension and retention.
– **Charts and Visual Aids:** The book includes numerous charts, tables, and visual aids that summarize rules and concepts, making it easier for students to study and reference key information quickly.

#### **6. Exploration of Advanced Topics**
– **Advanced Grammar Concepts:** For students who are ready to move beyond the basics, the textbook covers advanced topics such as subordination, coordination, parallelism, and rhetorical grammar. These chapters provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of English grammar and are ideal for those interested in linguistics or advanced writing.
– **Language Variation:** The book discusses language variation, including dialects and registers, helping students understand how grammar can change depending on the context, audience, and purpose of communication.

#### **7. Support for Instructors**
– **Instructor Resources:** The textbook is accompanied by a range of instructor resources, including test banks, lecture slides, and sample assignments, which facilitate effective teaching and assessment.
– **Supplementary Materials:** Online resources offer additional support for both students and instructors, including interactive quizzes, further readings, and video tutorials.

**”Understanding English Grammar” (10th Edition)** is a versatile and authoritative resource that combines clear explanations with practical applications. Its comprehensive approach makes it an essential textbook for students of English, linguistics, and education, as well as a valuable reference for writers, editors, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of English grammar.