English grammar - Ron Simpson

English is (and always has been) in a state of change. If we consider the root as Old English, the influence of Latin, Norse, Norman French and courtly French is obvious, but what about the influence of German Kings or East European immigrants, of settlers in, and migrants from, former colonies and possessions in all five continents?







The change occurs constantly, slowly and often unobserved - and it is important to remember that it has not brought the language to a state of perfection, then stopped, but is still happening all around us. So what is correct English? It is that used by the majority of people we trust to use 'correct' English. The approach taken in Teach Yourself English Grammar is that the English language is not fixed in a certain correct form, that change is slow, but constant, and that part of the richness of the English language is the variety of acceptable forms. However, you ignore the concept of standard English at your peril.







Teach Yourself English Grammar balances the demand for a 'how to' book with academic interest and indicates accepted English usage and grammatical forms. It is a clear, accessible guide to modern English grammar that will help you to improve your knowledge of the language. It contains:







- easy-to-follow explanations and summaries







- practical tips on how to avoid common grammar mistakes







- a special section on punctuation







- exercises so that you can practise what you have learnt







- interesting facts about the historical and regional use of English







- a 'taking it further' section to direct you to further sources of information about the English language







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