Understanding English Grammar: A Linguistic Approach

Understanding English Grammar presents a linguistic introduction to the structure of English that is accessible to students who have had little or no opportunity to study the language. The book features information about the essentials of English words, sentences, and sounds within a framework derived from modern linguistic theory. The volume also provides students with an introduction to the scholarly study of language and a comprehensive exploration of English grammar. Understanding English Grammar is designed as a teaching tool; there are numerous exercises at the end of each chapter, a list of further readings, and an indexed glossary. This second edition has been updated throughout with additional examples and enhanced discussion, as well as an increased emphasis on the study of meaning. The bookis supported by an instructor′s manual.

Preface. Preface to the Second Edition. 1. Preliminaries. 2. Word Classes. 3. Constituents and Phrases. 4. Basic Clauses. 5. Coordination and Embedding. 6. Clausal Variation. 7. Underlying Relationships. 8. Rules and Principles. 9. Sounds and Systems. 10. Phonetic Realization. 11. Word Formation. 12. Words and Sounds. 13. Sounds in Context. 14. Further Reading. Indexed Glossary.

Ronald Wardhaugh is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Toronto. His many successful books include An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (fourth edition, Blackwell 2002) and Proper English (Blackwell 1998).

"As a linguistics author writing for the more general student audience, Wardhaugh has that uncommon ability to explain in a clear and readable style the essentials of English grammar." William Rutherford, University of Southern California "The profession desperately needs introductory texts that bring linguistics to students in a readable style without compromising the integrity of linguistic enquiry. Understanding English Grammar is such a text." Walt Wolfram, North Carolina State University "This is ideal for a full discussion of sentence complexity within a one–semester English grammar course." Bethany Dumas, University of Tennessee