A Commonsense Guide to Grammar and Usage [with 2009 MLA Update]

by Larry Beason, Mark Lester

This student-friendly grammar guide helps students recognize, correct, and avoid the most common and serious grammar and usage errors. The text breaks complex concepts down into simple lessons, each focusing on a single essential skill. Everyday language and easy-to-remember tips make grammar easy to understand, and clear examples and diagrams show, rather than just tell, how to identify and correct problems. Hundreds of exercises in the book and thousands more at Exercise Central provide students with plentiful practice.

Genres: Writing, Reference, College, Language, School

528 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed this text as a possible book for my English 107 Grammar class. It has a lot of useful tips for applying grammar rules in different areas such as identifying and correcting sentence fragments and fixing dangling modifiers. In addition to covering most grammar rules and basic terminology, the book covers citation and the writing process. Because of this added focus, I don't believe it is appropriate for my 1-unit class unless the publisher can provide select chapters only. Still, I will probably be pilfering some ideas and lessons from this book when I teach the class again.

[Nakia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for those who may need a refresher on grammar and mechanics, or for those who need a reference for editing grammar and usage. Not for those who need to learn grammar from scratch.

[Mélanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. I go back to it all the time and use it to teach my composition courses.