A Visual Guide to English Grammar

Make learning and teaching English grammar less abstract and more effective with the use of easy-to-read charts, diagrams and concept maps.

Grammar is a subject of study that is often associated with an irresistible urge to doze off or run away in terror. In this book, however, you will find grammar presented in a different light. Rather than focusing on lists of rules to be remembered, the book explains the hows and whys of grammar through the use of easy-to-read charts, tables, annotated diagrams, and concept maps. This introductory book is for anyone interested in learning how grammar works and how to use language more effectively.

Dr Lubna Alsagoff has a PhD in Linguistics from Stanford University and is a language educator who is especially known for her work in improving the teaching of grammar in schools and in teacher education in Singapore. She was Head of English Language and Literature at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and previously taught at the National University of Singapore. She is a well-published author and researcher on grammar, sociolinguistics and language education.

Chapter 1: Introduction1
Chapter 2: Word Class7
Chapter 3: Nouns and Noun Phrases29
What Is a Noun?31
Types of Nouns41
From Nouns to Noun Phrases51
Determiners61
Adjectives and Adjective Phrases66
Pronouns81
Chapter 4: Verbs and Verb Groups93
Verbs and Meaning95
Forms of Verbs102
From Verbs to Verb Groups1 1 1
Finite and Non-Finite Verbs123
Time, Tense and Aspect128
Adverbs and Adverb Phrases136
Prepositions and Preposition Phrases138
Phrasal Verbs140
Chapter 5: Clauses and Sentences143
What Is a Sentence?145
What Is a Clause?148
Verbs and Clauses150
Adverbials159
Sentences and Clauses164
Use or Function of Clauses185
Chapter 6: Putting It All Together195
Form and Function197
Applying Grammar210
Index216