Handbook of English Grammar and Usage

by Mark Lester, Larry Beason

Who or Whom? / Its or It's / Lie or Lay?

Can't remember those grueling grammar lessons from junior high? Troubled that your professional writing lacks polish? Stop worrying! You've just picked up the painless prescription for proper English!

Acclaimed grammarians Mark Lester and Larry Beason know that English teachers aren't the only ones who expect careful and correct language choices. Precision in language can be the deciding factor when it comes to getting a job or winning a promotion. The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and Usage gives you bottom-line definitions, tips, and simple rules that summarize the essentials you need to know.

This second edition includes a chapter dedicated to grammar and its usage in digital communication, including texting, e-mail, social media, and new technology, so you can communicate correctly in any format.

Whether your skills need drastic improvement or a quick brush-up, The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and Usage will get your grammar back on the right track with:

Straightforward explanations of common mistakes and why they happen Hundreds of correct and incorrect sentence examples, with errors clearly marked Quick tips for fixing your most stubborn grammatical mishaps Catchy memory aids for writing correctly the first time

Genres: Reference, Writing, Nonfiction, Language, Education, Professional Development, Textbooks

Unknown Binding

First published October 20, 2004

Reviews

[Zuzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not at all enthusiastic at first (seriously? since when do we call everything from numerals to articles to demonstratives "adjectives"?!?!?). However, once I got over the authors' classifications (which made me feel like I must have studied linguistics on another planet, or in another time period, or both), I really appreciated the simplicity with which they were able to communicate stuff that must often seem really difficult to non-linguists (and maybe even linguists). They have some useful shortcut-type tips and in general manage to pack a lot of useful topics into a very brief and surprisingly easy-to-read volume. Plus, it was the first grammar book I have read in a looooong time. So - fun! :)

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a required text for a class I just finished. At first, I thought Lester's book was dry and horrible. I needed cup after cup of coffee to get through it. But about two weeks into my class, it began to grow on me. Lester has a sense of humor about grammar, although it's subtle and easy to miss. Now I can say that I know this text very well. I will refer back to it often, and I am pleased to have it in my library.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I have to rate this? Well, it's a grammar book. It does its job. I can't give it five stars. It's a grammar book! But if you need one, it does its job.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a class I took. The book is very accessible, easy to understand. It covers both the basics of grammar as well as the problem areas that are most commonly seen in certain writing situations. I will definitely keep a copy of this book on hand for reference.

I enjoyed the touch of wryness that could be found here and there. It kept the book from the dreaded "dryness" and reminded me that there were actual living, breathing, witty people behind the book. :o) However, this in no way detracted from the dissemination and quality of the information.

Heck, I'd recommend this book to any ole' body. ESPECIALLY those who write on a regular basis.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the textbook for my grammar class, the first class on the way to obtaining certification in copyediting. It broke down concepts fairly well and was easy enough to understand, but as I discovered when using supplementary resources, did not go as in depth as it could have or left out what I thought was pretty important information. I'd still recommend it as a grammar refresher or for language nerds who like to nitpick.

Edit: THIS is my 1000th "read" book on Goodreads? How very. :/

[Keven Luan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a book on English, it's as dry as you expect it to be. As a native speaker, I never learnt proper English terminology, so chapter 1 was almost a complete write-off as it constantly referred to terms I didn't know the true meaning of (appositive, participle, predicate, subjunctive mood). I would almost recommend going straight to chapter 2 so you get straight into scenarios that can be applied immediately.

[Chad Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty readable, as far as grammar textbooks go. The minimalist formatting (e.g., no distracting pictures, conservative use of sidebars) is a plus. It breaks up into two sections—"Grammar 101" and "How to Find and Correct Mistakes—both of which seem like fitting elements for an introductory grammar.

[Benjamin Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great general refresher and reference.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow. Class done!

[Kazia · Rating 3 out of 5]

*American English

It was alright. It was fairly easy enough to get through. I found some of the concepts a tad more simplified than they needed to be.

[Bridger Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty solid book. As a native English speaker, this still helped me catch some mistakes I was making and has improved my writing.

[Mark Askew · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like grammar, this isn't a bad read. I must ad the caveat that I only read this book as part of copyediting course.

[christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required text for class. English is so dumb and I’m dumber for choosing this career path.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's adequate. I can certainly imagine worse books on grammar.

[luv4pez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear concise book that's great when you're looking for a refresher on grammar.

[Tosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This handbook is helpful. Unfortunately, the authors chose not to address the subjunctive mood.

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go-to reference book for any questions related to grammar. It's indispensable.

Finally, a grammar book that breaks down the rules of grammar in ways that I can understand. It separates the grammar from usage, and it provides a thorough explanation so that you can better understand the rules, exceptions, and methods. If you understand the important aspects of grammar, you will know how to avoid problems so that you won't need to refer to grammar books later on. And isn't that the point? It is designed for you to learn from it and become proficient, with many examples that show the correct usage.

I can't say enough about it; it's the best one I've read so far (from cover to cover). Yes, it's that interesting. It has a nontechnical, no-nonsense approach that appeals to editors and readers like me.

[Jyotsna Batra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every professional must read this book. It is not just a grammar book; it's a reference book for improving your written communication. The fundamentals of writing expressed in this book are thought-provoking. It increases your understanding of writing altogether. A good investment if you are looking to hone your writing skills.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The McGraw-Hill Handbook of English Grammar and Usage starts with grammar basics and builds up to more complex and common grammar issues. I loved the layout of the book, the tips and tricks, and the may example sentences of what to do and what not to do. This is a good book to have on your shelf!

[Cbnrck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Comprehensive Overview for the Novice and Advanced Writers

This book provides a helpful overview of grammar and its usage. The novice writer will gain a foundation to build upon and the advanced writer will be given a helpful reminder. The examples used to explain improper usage and proper usage are particularly helpful.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This primer is very straightforward and clear in its explanations of what is correct and incorrect. It builds a great basic framework in Part I and then explores nuisances and complications in Part II. One of the better grammar books I've read. (Using this for an online editing course.)

[T.W. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must for the grammarian. Not only does it have all the rules you need to be a better editor, but it also has a plethora of examples to help clarify when the words all seem to turn to mush on the page.

[Clef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful grammar book.

English is my second language, although I had learned the most of the grammar knowledge in the high school, but it still worth to learn the grammar systematically again.

[Margot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent guide to English usage. My only complaints are that some sections from the later chapters seem to be essentially copy/pasted from the earlier.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference book.

[Elijah Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing! Hadn't read any grammar book in a while; it was good to pick one that wasn't written to go over my head. I'd definitely pick it up again.

[David Wong-Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

comprehensive

this book is a must for foreing language english students like me. I think you should get amd read from head to tail.

[Jaeme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still a timely and easy to use reference for writers of every type.

[Minkpro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book help me learn English grammar and some writing rules.

[John Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Great examples and thorough explanations.