Essential Italian grammar - Anna Proudfoot

Is this the right book for me?



Essential Italian Grammar is an up-to-date introduction to Italian grammar. You don't need to know a lot about grammar before you start. Everything is explained simply and there are lots of examples to illustrate each point. Unlike more traditional grammars, Essential Italian Grammar is structured so that you can look up language forms according to what you want to say, even if you don't know the grammatical term for them. If you already know some grammar, then you can use the 'reference grammar' section at the back of the book to look up the points you need.



The course consists of 22 units illustrating the various uses to which the language can be put: for example, giving instructions or talking about the recent past. The more traditional reference grammar deals with grammatical structures, such as the imperative or the perfect tense. All grammatical terms are explained in the glossary at the back of the book. Each unit contains exercises for you to practise what you have learnt and there is a key at the back of the book for you to check your answers. The new page design in this edition means that the book is even easier to use and the main headings are in English so that you can find your way around the book quickly. This edition contains a 'taking it further' section which will direct you to further sources of real Italian.



Essential Italian Grammar will help you to understand and manipulate Italian grammar with confidence because:

- you need no prior knowledge of grammatical terminology to use it

- the approach is accessible and supportive

- the examples are clear and in context

- exercises help you practise every point






Essential Italian Grammar includes:



Chapter 1: Asking for and giving personal information

Chapter 2: Identifying people and things

Chapter 3: Asking about availability

Chapter 4: Talking about location

Chapter 5: Stating choice and preference

Chapter 6: Talking about the present

Chapter 7: Talking about routine and habits

Chapter 8: Talking about possibility and asking permission

Chapter 9: Giving orders and instructions

Chapter 10: Talking about possession

Chapter 11: Talking about events and actions in the past

Chapter 12: Describing the past

Chapter 13: Talking about the Future

Chapter 14: Talking about wants and preferences

Chapter 15: Describing processes and procedures

Chapter 16: Talking about likes and dislikes

Chapter 17: Asking for and giving an opinion

Chapter 18: Expressing obligation and need

Chapter 19: Expressing emotions and uncertainty

Chapter 20: Expressing wishes or polite requests

Chapter 21: Expressing regrets

Chapter 22: Expressing conditions





Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:



Not got much time?

One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.



Author insights

Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.



Test yourself

Easy to find and learn, to build a solid foundation for speaking.



End-of-unit summaries and online tests

Summaries and tests to help you keep track of your progress.



Extend your knowledge

Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the culture and history of Italy.