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English Grammar For Dummies
Book by Woods, Geraldine
359 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
350 people are currently reading
1489 people want to read
About the author
Geraldine Woods
89 books25 followersGeraldine Woods has taught English at every level from fifth grade through Advanced Placement, most recently at the Horace Mann School. She is the author of numerous nonfiction books for adults and children, including 25 Great Sentences and How They Got That Way. She lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 10, 2016
My friends laughed at mé when i bought this book. But i wanted to improve my English grammar and therefore didnt Care. I must Say that i Found this book quite useful and even at times quite hilariuos( yes WHO Would have thought that about grammar?) i really enjoyed it
December 9, 2012
As long as a grammar book isn't incorrect, it can't be 'bad' right?
And yet, despite being correct and a good refresher (I did learn quite a bit), this book was somewhat annoying. The author tried way too hard to be 'cool', with stupid little jokes and exotic, creative example sentences which drove me mad.
Dear grammar book authors, just keep it simple as can be. Grammer is already complicated enough.
I read most of this book while watching american football, which was a good call, because most missed throws were even more annoying than the exotic sentences or the stupid jokes.
If the Giants will end up losing this game, I swear I'm going to scream.
March 18, 2015
“When i first come to America, my english did cause me problems. In Soviet Russia i was strong teacher, my english i know is the best in all of Petropavlovsk. My brother, Mikhail, he say to me, “Nikolai you go to America, they make you rich like czar, take many woman as lover, kill many bear”. My brother, he is very wise, is greatest toymaker in all of Russia. So next day i wake up, sell my house, say goodbye to wife and children, and go to America to become millionaire. Then in America, I go to job interview and they say to me “Nikolai, you are not for the job here, you are not the skills we need, your english is poor like child”. I take that man and smash his table, i say “someday i will be greatest man in all of country, your children will wish me their father!”. That day my anger is best of me. It is then i know i must learn better english, so i buy book “English Grammer it is for Dummies” by Mr.Woods. Now i am perfect english grammer! I write letter to Mikhail, he write back “Nikolai, your english is like a god, you will be millionaire soon! all of Petropavlovsk is proud for you! good luck brother! please send letter when you are president or maybe even czar! Hahaha! also, your wife is killed by bear”. So i say thanks to Mr.Woods for his book! When i am czar your family will be spared! Hahahaha! (is joke).”
October 7, 2011
Like all the Dummies boks this is packed full of helpful information. But the author uses the most ridiculous names and examples that would probably confuse someone who doesn't speak English as a first language.
May 11, 2015
یک کتاب کامل و بی نظیر برای کسانی که می خواهند گرامرشان فول شود. خواندن کتاب هایی نظیر کتاب های آموزشی آکسفورد و کمبریج در کنار این کتاب خیلی مفید است.
March 9, 2015
4.0 out of 5 stars A fresh approach to grammar!, March 9, 2015
By Barry Owens "I love to read and working on my... (Music City, USA)
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This review is from: English Grammar For Dummies (Kindle Edition)
I like this book! I read excerpts from several grammar books before I settled on this one, and I'm glad I did. It takes a very fresh approach to grammar for those who want to speak and write the English language better. The author even tells you when certain rules of grammar that you probably had to memorize in high school are a waste of brain cells. I will use this book for years to come.
March 7, 2018
I am not a native English speaker and this book was very informative to me. It cleared out some points that I was always worrying if they were right or wrong.
Some goodreads' reviewers didn't like the way the book is written. But, talking about me, I enjoyed it.
I encourage anybody that is not a native speaker and use English frequently in his/her daily life (in his/her work, for example) to go ahead and read this book.
Some goodreads' reviewers didn't like the way the book is written. But, talking about me, I enjoyed it.
I encourage anybody that is not a native speaker and use English frequently in his/her daily life (in his/her work, for example) to go ahead and read this book.
February 15, 2017
Seems pretty good so far. I actually like the examples; they add some humour to what would otherwise be fairly dry material.
March 27, 2020
Bought it to learn the basics of punctuation as the final edit of my first written book, as I'd been informed I've been using a few symbols incorrectly, and publishers aren't fond of grammatical or punctuational errors, and will toss your manuscript in the trash at the slightest infraction; their loss I say if they're going to be so picky; but, I have no problems with adjusting to other's preferences.
From reading the details of the book, I was lead to believe it covered all the basic punctuation symbols, which is precisely what I was looking for in a grammar\punctuation book. Turns out the advertising is false.
I was a fan of the Dummies series when I read, eons ago, a copy of Windows 3.11 for Dummies, as I made a huge mess of my first Windows computer, a Pentium 486, with a blistering CPU speed of 33ghz, and a whopping 4gig of ram, and I couldn't make head nor tail of Peter Norton's Complete Guide to DOS 6.22. Once I read the Dummies book, Peter Norton's book was totally understandable, and the rest of my computer geek knowledge and skills is history; hence why seeking out a Dummies book on english punctuation.
However, with Geradine Woods' Dummies book, I was let down and thus wasted my hard earned money.
Not only does she not cover all the basic punctuation symbols, but in an earlier chapter she states she wont be covering personal emails and sms texts, as those are "conversational english" and has nothing to do with "proper english", as she calls them; but in a later chapter, spends far too many pages explaining how to properly write emails and phone texts; What the proverbial . . .
My opinion, if you want to learn the basics, you won't find a complete guide to it in this book.
The pages wasted on emails and text messages ( and other social situations) could have been used to actually explain all the basic punctuation symbols, as advertised.
Conclusion: look elsewhere for grammar and punctuation knowledge.
From reading the details of the book, I was lead to believe it covered all the basic punctuation symbols, which is precisely what I was looking for in a grammar\punctuation book. Turns out the advertising is false.
I was a fan of the Dummies series when I read, eons ago, a copy of Windows 3.11 for Dummies, as I made a huge mess of my first Windows computer, a Pentium 486, with a blistering CPU speed of 33ghz, and a whopping 4gig of ram, and I couldn't make head nor tail of Peter Norton's Complete Guide to DOS 6.22. Once I read the Dummies book, Peter Norton's book was totally understandable, and the rest of my computer geek knowledge and skills is history; hence why seeking out a Dummies book on english punctuation.
However, with Geradine Woods' Dummies book, I was let down and thus wasted my hard earned money.
Not only does she not cover all the basic punctuation symbols, but in an earlier chapter she states she wont be covering personal emails and sms texts, as those are "conversational english" and has nothing to do with "proper english", as she calls them; but in a later chapter, spends far too many pages explaining how to properly write emails and phone texts; What the proverbial . . .
My opinion, if you want to learn the basics, you won't find a complete guide to it in this book.
The pages wasted on emails and text messages ( and other social situations) could have been used to actually explain all the basic punctuation symbols, as advertised.
Conclusion: look elsewhere for grammar and punctuation knowledge.
August 30, 2017
Normally, I like Dummies books. Normally, I have no problem finishing a Dummies book. This is only the second time I have stopped reading a Dummies book before reaching the end . . . way before reaching the end. Like all grammar books, this one uses examples to illustrate the grammar rule being taught. Examples are crucial to teaching English grammar. Unfortunately, the examples in this book used such odd names, and had such odd events happening, that it was impossible for the reader to concentrate on the grammar rule being taught.
While one certainly did not expect Ms. Woods to use names like Dick, Jane and Sally, one also did not expect to be constantly bombarded with names like Blathersby, Rugelach, Legghorn, Rumpus, Eggworthy, Grunhilda, Murgatroyd, Ludmilla, Ruggles, Ratrug, etc. (Although, Ratrug would be a very nice name for a ferret.) And what were some of the things our handsomely named individuals were doing? Oh, let's see: "Ledmilla's continual attempts to impress Ludwig were fruitless, including the fruit basket she sent him on Monday and the piranha she Fed-Exed on Tuesday." Or: "Shakey said that he had tossed the salad out the window. It hit a pedestrian, who sued for lettuce-related damage."
Who in the world was Ms. Woods thinking of when she wrote this book? Obviously, not individuals who failed to learn proper grammar in school, and are desperately trying to learn it now; or immigrants trying to learn proper English; or individuals reviewing grammar rules, because their middle-aged brain is kicking out so many of those rules. I particularly feel sorry for those who got this book to read aloud to someone trying to learn grammar. Oh well, maybe this book keeps bored English Lit. majors from falling asleep. I personally can't help but view it as an "exclusive" type of grammar book--not one for the average person. Or maybe it is simply silly.
(This review was for the 2001 edition of "English Grammar For Dummies". One can only hope a new editor saw the problems with the 2001 edition and suggested changes for all future editions.)
While one certainly did not expect Ms. Woods to use names like Dick, Jane and Sally, one also did not expect to be constantly bombarded with names like Blathersby, Rugelach, Legghorn, Rumpus, Eggworthy, Grunhilda, Murgatroyd, Ludmilla, Ruggles, Ratrug, etc. (Although, Ratrug would be a very nice name for a ferret.) And what were some of the things our handsomely named individuals were doing? Oh, let's see: "Ledmilla's continual attempts to impress Ludwig were fruitless, including the fruit basket she sent him on Monday and the piranha she Fed-Exed on Tuesday." Or: "Shakey said that he had tossed the salad out the window. It hit a pedestrian, who sued for lettuce-related damage."
Who in the world was Ms. Woods thinking of when she wrote this book? Obviously, not individuals who failed to learn proper grammar in school, and are desperately trying to learn it now; or immigrants trying to learn proper English; or individuals reviewing grammar rules, because their middle-aged brain is kicking out so many of those rules. I particularly feel sorry for those who got this book to read aloud to someone trying to learn grammar. Oh well, maybe this book keeps bored English Lit. majors from falling asleep. I personally can't help but view it as an "exclusive" type of grammar book--not one for the average person. Or maybe it is simply silly.
(This review was for the 2001 edition of "English Grammar For Dummies". One can only hope a new editor saw the problems with the 2001 edition and suggested changes for all future editions.)
November 12, 2021
English grammar is brilliant!
I loved this book! I have never read about or studied English grammar before, however, this easy-language book has inspired me to study English grammar until I thoroughly get it. All those annoying and tiny details that you know deep down that you should understand are revealed to you in a permanent way in this book. For example, correct punctuation and what is the definite article? Or what are the indefinite articles? What are adverbs? You have got to read a whole book about English grammar to actually get it engraved into your mind. Dictionaries and the internet will not do. There are many such simple grammatical mistakes and pitfalls that are avoided or corrected in this awesome book. The good news is that anyone of any age can scrub up their English grammar and if English is your first language, you will feel like a genius.
I loved this book! I have never read about or studied English grammar before, however, this easy-language book has inspired me to study English grammar until I thoroughly get it. All those annoying and tiny details that you know deep down that you should understand are revealed to you in a permanent way in this book. For example, correct punctuation and what is the definite article? Or what are the indefinite articles? What are adverbs? You have got to read a whole book about English grammar to actually get it engraved into your mind. Dictionaries and the internet will not do. There are many such simple grammatical mistakes and pitfalls that are avoided or corrected in this awesome book. The good news is that anyone of any age can scrub up their English grammar and if English is your first language, you will feel like a genius.
September 21, 2019
La autora, Geraldine Woods, desmenuza la gramática inglesa con ayuda de ejemplos lúdicos para hacer la lectura más amena.
Lo considero un libro de consulta rápida para cuando se tiene una duda sobre cómo conjugar algún verbo o esas palabras que suelen ser complicadas: somebody, anything, etc. El repaso va de los conceptos gramaticales más generales a lo más detallado, es decir, desde componentes como guiones, comillas y puntos, hasta el uso de cláusulas subordinadas.
Una crítica al libro es que carece de diagramas, los cuales ayudan a agilizar el aprendizaje.
Le asigno 4 estrellas de 5 posibles. 463 páginas publicadas por Editorial Planeta Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., septiembre de 2012. Autora: Geraldine Woods.
Lo considero un libro de consulta rápida para cuando se tiene una duda sobre cómo conjugar algún verbo o esas palabras que suelen ser complicadas: somebody, anything, etc. El repaso va de los conceptos gramaticales más generales a lo más detallado, es decir, desde componentes como guiones, comillas y puntos, hasta el uso de cláusulas subordinadas.
Una crítica al libro es que carece de diagramas, los cuales ayudan a agilizar el aprendizaje.
Le asigno 4 estrellas de 5 posibles. 463 páginas publicadas por Editorial Planeta Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., septiembre de 2012. Autora: Geraldine Woods.
January 12, 2017
As the appointed editor for a whole slew of questions, I needed some help! My degree is not in English, and I haven't had any training other than what I received in my K-12 school years, what my ear gained while listening to my mother and grandparents speak, and what I absorbed through reading books and other materials. This was the most helpful book of those I checked out from my local library. The examples are clear, and although it did not answer all of my questions, I found answers and explanations for most of what I needed to know. The examples were clear and understandable to laymen, and it was actually quite interesting.
July 9, 2023
As a writer, it's important to touch and brush up on grammar. Especially, if you're dyslexic like me.
While grammar in creative text isn't the end of the world, you still should know the rules and how they're applied. And what better way to learn said rules, than 'for dummies' series.
A book worth keeping on the shelf and if you have a moments lapse, as I do from time to time, I can pick up and go, yes that's how it's done.
While grammar in creative text isn't the end of the world, you still should know the rules and how they're applied. And what better way to learn said rules, than 'for dummies' series.
A book worth keeping on the shelf and if you have a moments lapse, as I do from time to time, I can pick up and go, yes that's how it's done.
February 6, 2018
Who knew grammar could be fun? I am probably going to reread this book or read some other grammar books, because reading once is not the same as studying or learning.
Repetition is the mother of all learning.
Repetition is the mother of all learning.
May 3, 2018
I really like the content of this book, but the witty jokes and side comments made the explanations too long and confusing at times --love the information covered just not the presentation.
October 18, 2018
It was really intuitive for learning and it helps when it's time for a test.
January 6, 2020
Amazing
Useful for anyone that’s interested on learning grammar and English as a second language. Take your time, it will be difficult but not impossible.
Useful for anyone that’s interested on learning grammar and English as a second language. Take your time, it will be difficult but not impossible.
September 4, 2020
Only giving it 4 stars because the bad jokes made it hard to read, but the information is top notch.
June 4, 2010
Extra points if you can find all of the grammatical errors in this review. I’m a freelance editor, and so once a year I like to read a grammar book to refresh my knowledge. Grammar for Dummies was a much better refresher than I anticipated. Don’t let the “dummies” part of the title fool you; this guide is useful for grammarians of all levels. The clear organization and eye-catching subheadings make the book easy to skim for just the information you need, and it covers the most common errors I encounter in my editing, as well as the fine grammatical distinctions I have the most difficulty remembering. (I found some of the tips for remembering these distinctions quite helpful.) It seems to be geared toward high school students, however, and includes a recurring section of SAT test-taking tips. The regular exercises throughout the book enable readers to evaluate whether or not they have grasped the grammatical concepts presented.
February 6, 2016
This book is pretty good for a quick reference on specific rules that you may have trouble keeping straight.
However, it didn't work for me as a refresher course on the more in-depth rules. I don't know if it's simply been that long since my grammar classes, or if this book just has a presentation that didn't work for me, but I frequently found myself confused or overwhelmed about the finer points it was trying to teach. Also, like many of the other commenters I often found the example sentences to be silly and irritating after reading one or two chapters in one go. Others may feel differently, though, so it may be worth trying to see if you like it.
Overall I did learn from this book and it would be a good, quick reference to keep around. It won't be the last grammar book I read, though, and I don't know if I'll actually buy it.
However, it didn't work for me as a refresher course on the more in-depth rules. I don't know if it's simply been that long since my grammar classes, or if this book just has a presentation that didn't work for me, but I frequently found myself confused or overwhelmed about the finer points it was trying to teach. Also, like many of the other commenters I often found the example sentences to be silly and irritating after reading one or two chapters in one go. Others may feel differently, though, so it may be worth trying to see if you like it.
Overall I did learn from this book and it would be a good, quick reference to keep around. It won't be the last grammar book I read, though, and I don't know if I'll actually buy it.
March 11, 2012
My God, there is factual information in here, but run far far away from this book. The facts are just bait to get you to run this gauntlet of self-loathing, pointless banter. This is a grammar textbook written by a grammarian who is so desperate to portray herself as cool, as not-that-grammarian, she incessantly disparages her field, her work, and everything she is interested in. Ms Woods goes so far beyond being self-depreciating you kind of want to muzzle her, fortunately this is a book and you can close it. I'd be mildly amused to here her protest that that's not what she meant at all, that she really loves grammar, etc, but mostly I never want to read anything she's written again for fear it will taint my love of a subject. Did not finish.
May 22, 2012
This book covers everything in a warm and conversational tone with plenty of example sentences and extra tidbits of information. However, for some reason I find it slightly awkward to use when looking up specific things. I think it is because there are a lot of internal references to other parts of the book, so you have to flip around to get a full understanding of a particular point sometimes. It is probably best read from beginning to end and treated as a course because each chapter builds on and refer to the previous chapters.
July 14, 2013
Not to say this was a bad book I just had something better I could use.
The book did seem to go on a bit and the jokes from the author at times where a little grating (though some where ok).
In the end I realised I had a better grammar book which I brought from an online school which was much more suited to covering the basics of grammar.
Hopefully the workbook will still come in handy.
The book did seem to go on a bit and the jokes from the author at times where a little grating (though some where ok).
In the end I realised I had a better grammar book which I brought from an online school which was much more suited to covering the basics of grammar.
Hopefully the workbook will still come in handy.
May 24, 2015
An excellent no-nonsense grammar guide. The style is chatty, witty and each section is scattered with helpful icons such as 'Warnings!' (traps), 'demons', 'black belt' technicalities for those who want them, and frequent 'pop quizzes'. Even section headings are fun. Linking Verbs ('the giant equals sign') versus Action Verbs was very helpful, to give one example only.
Recommended for any high school or ESL English teacher.
Recommended for any high school or ESL English teacher.
February 14, 2016
I am new to the study or Grammar and punctuation and thought this book was brilliant. It is a treasure to my little collection of books. It has set a foundation that has left me wanting to learn more.
May 19, 2008
it really helps! does this mean i'm a dummy?
May 3, 2008
Great resource for any Language arts Teacher. Humorous and to the point. Highly suggested.
May 22, 2009
You know, this is truly a great educational book. I just didn't have the patience to read through the whole thing, rather I skimmed most of it. It is however, a great reference book!
July 22, 2015
I found this very useful. I worked through a chapter or two a day, giving me time to take things in. Now I've done that it will sit on the shelf over my desk handy for reference.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews