Navigating English Grammar: A Guide to Analyzing Real Language

by Anne Lobeck

An engaging and fresh take on the rules and politics of English grammar, written in lively prose. It goes a step further than most books on grammar by providing an overview of the field, with a discussion of historical and current debates about grammar, and how we define, discuss, and approach it.


Presents a novel, inquiry-based approach to understanding speakers' unconscious knowledge of English grammar Makes lucid connections, when relevant, with current linguistic theory Integrates language change and variation into the study of grammar Examines historical sources of socially evaluative perceptions of grammar, as 'good' or 'bad', and notions of language authority Provides syntactic explanations for many modern punctuation rules Explores some of the current controversies about grammar teaching in school and the role of Standard English in testing and assessment

Genres: Linguistics, School, Nonfiction, Writing

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[IC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational for Navigating English Grammar (haha, get it?).

[Iago Seleme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of English grammar, very clear but not the most deep analysis. I would give it 4 stars if it wasn't for the fact that it's missing the answers to the exercises.

[Tait Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grammarians stand aside; linguists will save the English language arts from obscurity. This book is for anyone who wishes to understand, fundamentally, how our language works. Instead of pedantic, prescribed rules, Lobeck and Denham guide the reader to their unconscious knowledge of morphology and syntax. This book leaves you with a genuine appreciation for the complexity and sophistication of language and dialect variation.

[Rhys Fryar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this book for a Structure of English class taught by one of the authors, Anne Lobeck; the book perfectly complimented the class and provided an easier and more structural approach to grammar and structure than previous linguistic classes I’ve taken. Loved this book for the course but will continue to use after, fuels me and my goal to terrorize those around me.

[Christy George · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, new, unique way of looking at the English language but not always with clear or in-depth analysis or explanation.

[Cheyenne Black · Rating 1 out of 5]

Class with Anne has been great. It always helps to have the linguist in front of you for questioning.

[Mariam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great organization of grammar ideas.