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The Perfect English Grammar Workbook

The Perfect English Grammar Workbook

Simple Rules and Quizzes to Master Today's English
by Lisa McLendon 2017 270 pages
4.15
100+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Grammar is a tool for clear communication, not a secret code

"Grammar is not a secret code."

Grammar demystified. Grammar is simply a set of rules that help us communicate clearly and effectively. It's not meant to be confusing or elitist, but rather a shared system that allows everyone to understand each other better. By learning and applying these rules, we can express our ideas more precisely and avoid misunderstandings.

Practical approach. Instead of viewing grammar as a rigid set of dos and don'ts, think of it as a toolkit for effective communication. Just as a carpenter uses different tools for different tasks, we can use various grammar rules to construct our messages. This approach makes grammar more accessible and less intimidating, encouraging everyone to improve their language skills.

Key grammar elements:

  • Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.)
  • Sentence structure
  • Punctuation
  • Agreement (subject-verb, pronoun-antecedent)
  • Verb tenses

2. Mastering parts of speech enhances language precision

"The parts of speech are the categories to which all words belong."

Building blocks of language. Understanding the different parts of speech is crucial for constructing clear and meaningful sentences. Each part of speech plays a specific role in conveying information and shaping the overall message.

Flexibility in English. One unique aspect of English is that words can often shift between different parts of speech without changing their form. This flexibility allows for creative and efficient language use but also requires a solid understanding of how words function in different contexts.

Main parts of speech:

  • Nouns: People, places, things, ideas
  • Verbs: Actions or states of being
  • Adjectives: Describe nouns
  • Adverbs: Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
  • Pronouns: Stand in for nouns
  • Prepositions: Show relationships between words
  • Conjunctions: Connect words, phrases, or clauses
  • Interjections: Express strong emotions

3. Sentence structure: The backbone of effective writing

"When grammar is ignored or confused, sentences come crashing down, paragraphs collapse, and meaning gets lost."

Clarity through structure. Well-constructed sentences are the foundation of clear communication. Understanding how to combine different elements of a sentence – subjects, predicates, objects, and modifiers – allows writers to convey complex ideas effectively.

Building complexity. As writers become more comfortable with basic sentence structures, they can create more sophisticated compositions by combining clauses, using transitional phrases, and varying sentence length. This variety keeps readers engaged and helps to emphasize key points.

Key sentence structure concepts:

  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Independent and dependent clauses
  • Compound and complex sentences
  • Parallel construction
  • Misplaced modifiers (and how to avoid them)

4. Verbs: The powerhouse of language expression

"Verbs can also indicate conditions, connections, or other things that happen that aren't quite 'actions.'"

Beyond action words. While verbs are often described as "action words," they serve a much broader purpose in language. They can express states of being, relationships between ideas, and subtle nuances of meaning that go beyond simple physical actions.

Mastering verb forms. Understanding the various forms and tenses of verbs allows writers to convey precise timing, ongoing actions, completed events, and hypothetical situations. This mastery is crucial for creating clear narratives and expressing complex ideas.

Important verb concepts:

  • Tense (past, present, future)
  • Aspect (simple, progressive, perfect)
  • Mood (indicative, subjunctive, imperative)
  • Voice (active, passive)
  • Modal verbs (can, could, should, etc.)
  • Phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions

5. Nouns and pronouns: Building blocks of meaning

"Nouns are people, places, things, ideas, or concepts."

Naming the world. Nouns are essential for identifying and discussing the people, objects, and ideas that make up our world. Understanding different types of nouns (common, proper, abstract, collective) allows for more precise communication.

Pronouns for efficiency. Pronouns help streamline language by replacing nouns to avoid repetition. Proper pronoun use requires attention to agreement in number, gender, and case, as well as clear antecedents to avoid confusion.

Key concepts for nouns and pronouns:

  • Count vs. non-count nouns
  • Singular and plural forms (including irregulars)
  • Possessive forms
  • Pronoun-antecedent agreement
  • Subject, object, and possessive pronoun forms
  • Relative and demonstrative pronouns

6. Modifiers: Adjectives and adverbs for vivid descriptions

"Adjectives describe, or modify, a noun, and usually answer the question 'what kind?' or 'which one?'"

Painting with words. Adjectives and adverbs allow writers to add detail, nuance, and color to their descriptions. By carefully choosing and placing modifiers, writers can create vivid mental images and convey subtle shades of meaning.

Avoiding overuse. While modifiers can enhance writing, overuse can lead to cluttered, unclear prose. Learning to use modifiers judiciously and choosing strong nouns and verbs can often result in more powerful, concise writing.

Tips for effective use of modifiers:

  • Use specific, descriptive adjectives instead of vague ones
  • Place adjectives in the correct order when using multiple modifiers
  • Be cautious with adverbs; often, a stronger verb is more effective
  • Use comparative and superlative forms correctly
  • Avoid double negatives and redundant modifiers

7. Punctuation: The roadmap for readers

"Punctuation marks are like road signs: They show readers where to go as they're reading."

Guiding comprehension. Proper punctuation is crucial for helping readers understand the structure and meaning of written text. Each punctuation mark serves a specific purpose in clarifying relationships between ideas, indicating pauses or breaks, and conveying the writer's intended tone.

Evolving conventions. While some punctuation rules are fixed, others have changed over time or vary between style guides. Writers should be aware of current conventions and the expectations of their audience or publication when making punctuation choices.

Key punctuation marks and their uses:

  • Periods, question marks, exclamation points: End sentences
  • Commas: Separate elements within sentences
  • Semicolons and colons: Join related independent clauses
  • Dashes and parentheses: Set off additional information
  • Quotation marks: Indicate direct speech or quotes
  • Apostrophes: Show possession or contractions

8. Common usage pitfalls and how to avoid them

"When in doubt, look it up."

Awareness prevents errors. Many common grammar and usage mistakes occur because writers are unaware of the correct forms or have misunderstood rules. By familiarizing yourself with these common pitfalls, you can improve your writing and avoid embarrassing errors.

Resources for improvement. When uncertain about correct usage, consult reputable style guides, dictionaries, or grammar resources. Developing the habit of verifying usage questions will lead to continuous improvement in your writing skills.

Common usage issues to watch for:

  • Homophones (e.g., their/there/they're, its/it's)
  • Subject-verb agreement, especially with collective nouns
  • Dangling modifiers
  • Comma splices and run-on sentences
  • Incorrect pronoun case (e.g., "between you and I")
  • Misuse of apostrophes for plurals
  • Confusion between affect/effect, lay/lie, who/whom

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "The Perfect English Grammar Workbook" about?

  • Comprehensive Grammar Guide: The book is a detailed guide to mastering English grammar, covering everything from basic rules to complex structures.
  • Interactive Learning: It includes exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning and ensure understanding of the material.
  • Practical Application: The workbook is designed to help readers apply grammar rules in writing and speaking, enhancing clarity and effectiveness.
  • Target Audience: It is suitable for anyone looking to improve their grammar skills, from students to professionals.

Why should I read "The Perfect English Grammar Workbook"?

  • Improve Communication Skills: Mastering grammar can significantly enhance your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Professional Development: Good grammar is essential for credibility in academic and professional settings.
  • User-Friendly Approach: The book demystifies grammar, making it accessible and less intimidating for learners.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: It addresses common pitfalls and provides strategies for avoiding them.

What are the key takeaways of "The Perfect English Grammar Workbook"?

  • Grammar is a Tool: Grammar is not a set of rigid rules but a tool to make language work effectively.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Regular practice through exercises and quizzes is essential for mastering grammar.
  • Understanding Over Memorization: The book emphasizes understanding the logic behind grammar rules rather than rote memorization.
  • Adaptability: Language evolves, and so should your understanding of grammar to stay relevant.

What are the best quotes from "The Perfect English Grammar Workbook" and what do they mean?

  • "Grammar is not a secret code." This quote emphasizes that grammar is accessible to everyone and not something to be feared.
  • "Perfect grammar is a good standard to aspire to." It highlights the importance of striving for excellence in communication.
  • "Grammar is for everyone, and everyone deserves to feel confident using it." This quote encourages inclusivity and confidence in using language.
  • "Use grammar as your tool to control language and make it work exactly how you want it to." It underscores the power of grammar in effective communication.

How does Lisa McLendon approach teaching grammar in the book?

  • Grammar Cheerleader: McLendon prefers to be a "grammar cheerleader" rather than a "grammar cop," promoting a positive approach to learning.
  • Demystifying Grammar: She aims to simplify grammar, making it less intimidating and more approachable for learners.
  • Practical Examples: The book uses real-life examples to illustrate grammar rules and their applications.
  • Focus on Current Standards: McLendon emphasizes the importance of following current grammar standards for clear communication.

What are the main components of English grammar covered in the book?

  • Parts of Speech: The book covers nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
  • Sentence Structure: It explains subjects, predicates, clauses, and sentence types.
  • Punctuation and Style: The book provides guidelines on punctuation usage and style tips for effective writing.
  • Common Pitfalls: It addresses common grammar mistakes and how to avoid them.

How does the book help with improving writing skills?

  • General Writing Tips: The book offers tips on organizing thoughts, structuring sentences, and maintaining clarity.
  • Editing and Revising: It emphasizes the importance of editing and revising to produce polished writing.
  • Practice Exercises: The workbook includes exercises to practice writing skills and apply grammar rules.
  • Focus on Clarity: It teaches how to avoid wordiness and clichés for more effective communication.

What are some common grammar myths addressed in the book?

  • Starting Sentences with Conjunctions: The book clarifies that it's acceptable to start sentences with conjunctions.
  • Ending Sentences with Prepositions: It debunks the myth that sentences can't end with prepositions.
  • Split Infinitives: The book explains that splitting infinitives is grammatically acceptable.
  • Passive Voice Usage: It clarifies that passive voice is not always incorrect and can be useful in certain contexts.

How does the book address the use of punctuation?

  • End-of-Sentence Punctuation: It covers the correct use of periods, question marks, and exclamation points.
  • Joining Punctuation: The book explains the use of hyphens and apostrophes for clarity and correctness.
  • Dividing Punctuation: It provides guidelines on using colons, semicolons, dashes, and parentheses.
  • Comma Usage: The book offers detailed instructions on when and where to use commas for clarity.

What exercises and quizzes are included in the book?

  • Practice Exercises: Each chapter includes exercises to reinforce the grammar concepts covered.
  • Chapter Quizzes: Quizzes at the end of each chapter test the reader's understanding of the material.
  • Answer Keys: The book provides answer keys for all exercises and quizzes to facilitate self-assessment.
  • Variety of Formats: Exercises include multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and sentence correction tasks.

How does the book handle the topic of verb usage?

  • Conjugation: It explains how verbs change form to indicate tense, aspect, and mood.
  • Action vs. Linking Verbs: The book distinguishes between action verbs and linking verbs.
  • Modal Verbs: It covers the use of modals to express ability, permission, and necessity.
  • Verbals: The book explains participles, gerunds, and infinitives and their roles in sentences.

What resources does the book recommend for further reading?

  • Style and Usage Manuals: It suggests Garner’s Modern English Usage and The Chicago Guide to Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation.
  • Classic Manuals: The book recommends The Elements of Style by Strunk and White for foundational guidance.
  • Writers’ Guides: It lists On Writing Well by William Zinsser as a resource for improving writing skills.
  • Online Resources: The book mentions Purdue OWL for comprehensive and reliable grammar advice.

Review Summary

4.15 out of 5
Average of 100+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Perfect English Grammar Workbook receives mostly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.17 out of 5. Readers appreciate its clear explanations, helpful exercises, and engaging style. Many find it useful for refreshing grammar skills or as a basic guide for English learners. Some reviewers note it's best for beginners or as a quick review, while others praise its effectiveness in improving writing. A few criticisms mention errors in the answer key and its superficial nature for advanced users. Overall, it's recommended for those seeking to enhance their grammar knowledge.

Your rating:

About the Author

Lisa McLendon is the author of The Perfect English Grammar Workbook. She is known for her approachable teaching style and ability to make grammar accessible to learners. McLendon has experience conducting webinars and is described as a nice teacher by those who have attended her sessions. Her writing style in the book is characterized as encouraging and sometimes humorous, helping readers feel at ease while learning grammar concepts. McLendon's approach focuses on practical application and includes mnemonic devices to aid in retention. Her expertise in grammar and language is evident in the book's content and structure, which aims to help readers master English grammar rules through simple explanations and quizzes.

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