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The Great Grammar Book
Grammar books typically suffer from the "ugh" factor; they're a necessary tool for writing, but no one actually enjoys reading them. Well, Marsha Sramek's The Great Grammar Mastering Grammar Usage and the Essentials of Composition is not typical. She uses fun facts, news article excerpts, and goofy trivia to demonstrate the principles of grammar. Plus, she vaporizes all that stuffy hot air espoused by the grammar police. Sramek leaves out the quirky, rare, and esoteric grammar usage and focuses on the commonly encountered bulk of real-world writing. If proper use of capitalization, quotation marks, and apostrophes has you pulling your hair out; if you need some little trick to help you remember whether to use "lie" or "lay;" or if you mistakenly think a lengthy sentence is the same thing as a run-on sentence, you will benefit from The Great Grammar Book. Sramek makes grammar and writing less intimidating. The book opens with a 100-question, diagnostic grammar test (with answer key) to help readers discern their grammar weaknesses. Of the book's twelve chapters, only three deal with parts of speech. The remaining chapters focus on common errors, usage, and double negatives, in addition to the areas mentioned above. Near the end of the book, a practical guide to better writing called "Successful Writing Strategies" addresses wordiness, unclear pronoun references, and meaningless phrases. Especially important to students is the advice on writing essays, research papers, and works of literary criticism. Sramek even includes a how-to on business letter writing. Every chapter in the book offers exercises and reviews, each with its own particular answer key, for self-study.
- GenresNonfiction
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 6, 2016
This would be a good rudiments text for six graders. I received this book from the publisher, through a publicist, in return for an honest review.
February 18, 2015
The Great Grammar Book is an essential tool for students and writers. The book begins with a one-hundred question diagnostic test to allow the reader to assess their strengths and weaknesses. It is written in traditional text book style with brief explanations of the rules, followed by an exercise to put what is learned into practice. I thought the chapter on Successful Writing Strategies to be especially helpful. My only criticism is with the way it is advertised as entertaining. Some of the sentences given for editing were statements of trivial facts, but I did not read anything that added interest or entertainment value to the book.
Want to read
May 30, 2024Helps me learn but is sooooooo boring
March 4, 2012
Basic grammar, punctuation and sentence structure are essential for writing. Sramek has provided an excellent all-in-one reference guide and workbook. In the beginning of the guide, Sramek provides a 100-question test. Readers have an opportunity to test their knowledge before tackling each chapter. Readers can get to know where they need help. This will certainly save time and anguish.
Writers, students and business professionals, will find this text very useful. This guide has twelve chapters that cover topics such as, subject-verb agreement, common errors, pronouns, punctuation, commas and irregular verbs. Also included: a usage glossary, successful writing strategies and answer keys.
Each chapter highlights a brief definition of the topic that will be covered. Extensive exercises, rules of usage and examples are located throughout each chapter for easy reference. Each chapter focuses on the most common errors in English. Examples demonstrate how to recognize and correct errors.
Each term discussed, is covered in great detail. All the rules that apply are listed with examples. One I found interesting was, Identifying Prepositional Phrases. Sramek states, "Remember that prepositional phrases begin with a proposition and end with a noun or pronoun. The prepositions that students most often fail to recognize as prepositions are with, within, and without."
Examples:
These are also common compound prepositions:
according to- because of- in spite of
across from- far from- instead of
along with- in front of- on account of
aside from- in place of- on top of
Sramek's chapter on Successful Writing Strategies is also very helpful. This chapter helps readers understand how to eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.
Example:
People who are looking for bargains often shop at outlet malls or discount warehouses.
People looking for bargains often shop at outlet malls or discount warehouses.
The changes in the example sentences are obvious, but may not be recognized by someone who needs help in this area. Sramek provides examples of phrases and meaningless sentence extenders that can be eliminated. Sramek states, Eliminate the phrases "He is a man who" and "in terms of."
Examples:
He is a man who is hard to get to know.
He is hard to get to know.
The employee was undependable in terms of often coming to work late.
By often coming to work late the employee was undependable.
Sentence structure becomes stronger and more concise. By the time readers finish each helpful chapter, they will know how make sentences shorter and stronger.
Overall, readers will understand how to identify grammar problem areas that need improvement. Readers will have fun learning the rules of grammar. Readers will enjoy the exercises and tests provided. And finally, readers will overcome their writing fears.
Marsha Sramek began teaching high school English over 30 years ago. Until her recent career shift to textbook writing and publishing, she taught in public and private schools, as well as tutoring high school seniors in the college application process. She was the Faculty Sponsor/Editor of the school newsletter and spent four years classroom-testing this textbook. Ms. Sramek never enjoyed studying grammar as a student and became determined to write a grammar book that was fun to read as well as a book that was comprehensive.
She and her husband enjoy traveling, hiking, and gardening. They divide their time between residences in Houston, TX and Asheville, NC.
Sramek first published this book in 2009. Students and instructors loved the book, but they had suggestions for improvement. This latest edition incorporated those suggestions and was reprinted in 2011.
Writers, students and business professionals, will find this text very useful. This guide has twelve chapters that cover topics such as, subject-verb agreement, common errors, pronouns, punctuation, commas and irregular verbs. Also included: a usage glossary, successful writing strategies and answer keys.
Each chapter highlights a brief definition of the topic that will be covered. Extensive exercises, rules of usage and examples are located throughout each chapter for easy reference. Each chapter focuses on the most common errors in English. Examples demonstrate how to recognize and correct errors.
Each term discussed, is covered in great detail. All the rules that apply are listed with examples. One I found interesting was, Identifying Prepositional Phrases. Sramek states, "Remember that prepositional phrases begin with a proposition and end with a noun or pronoun. The prepositions that students most often fail to recognize as prepositions are with, within, and without."
Examples:
These are also common compound prepositions:
according to- because of- in spite of
across from- far from- instead of
along with- in front of- on account of
aside from- in place of- on top of
Sramek's chapter on Successful Writing Strategies is also very helpful. This chapter helps readers understand how to eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.
Example:
People who are looking for bargains often shop at outlet malls or discount warehouses.
People looking for bargains often shop at outlet malls or discount warehouses.
The changes in the example sentences are obvious, but may not be recognized by someone who needs help in this area. Sramek provides examples of phrases and meaningless sentence extenders that can be eliminated. Sramek states, Eliminate the phrases "He is a man who" and "in terms of."
Examples:
He is a man who is hard to get to know.
He is hard to get to know.
The employee was undependable in terms of often coming to work late.
By often coming to work late the employee was undependable.
Sentence structure becomes stronger and more concise. By the time readers finish each helpful chapter, they will know how make sentences shorter and stronger.
Overall, readers will understand how to identify grammar problem areas that need improvement. Readers will have fun learning the rules of grammar. Readers will enjoy the exercises and tests provided. And finally, readers will overcome their writing fears.
Marsha Sramek began teaching high school English over 30 years ago. Until her recent career shift to textbook writing and publishing, she taught in public and private schools, as well as tutoring high school seniors in the college application process. She was the Faculty Sponsor/Editor of the school newsletter and spent four years classroom-testing this textbook. Ms. Sramek never enjoyed studying grammar as a student and became determined to write a grammar book that was fun to read as well as a book that was comprehensive.
She and her husband enjoy traveling, hiking, and gardening. They divide their time between residences in Houston, TX and Asheville, NC.
Sramek first published this book in 2009. Students and instructors loved the book, but they had suggestions for improvement. This latest edition incorporated those suggestions and was reprinted in 2011.
November 22, 2009
The Great Grammar Book by Marsha Sramek ISBN 978-0-9841157-0-9. Published by Arch Press, 9095 Briar Forest Drive, Houston, Texas 77024. (www.thegreatgrammarbook.com) (SRP $18.95/Amazon N/A) Book received from publisher for review.
Review by Chris Phillips
Grammar books have certainly changed since this reviewer last looked at one. Sramek has written the suitably titled The Great Grammar Book. What stands out about the book is its layout. With a workbook style she covers all the regular topics, but very well. Starting with the Diagnostic Test in the beginning she instructs and informs with trivia and fresh exercises testing the material taught.
The Diagnostic Test is not easy and does test the basic ability of the reader. However, it does provide immediate support in showing the correct answers. The subsequent chapters strengthen the weaknesses revealed with this test. Each chapter is divided in to a statement of the rules, examples of these rules and exercises to reinforce the rules. Finally, the review exercises and the “Final Chapter Review” test the reader on all the topics thoroughly.
Remarkably, Sramek has introduced examples and exercise sentences that are both new and interesting as they stand. “George Washington created the Purple Heart in 1792, making it the nation’s oldest military decoration,” reveals a trivia tidbit that keeps the attention of the reader (pg. 73 for the exercise. This is the corrected version for those interested). Under Parentheses, one of the examples is something this reviewer didn’t know, another bit of trivia, “In 1898 (fourteen years before the Titanic tragedy) Morgan Robertson wrote the novel Futility, about the largest ship ever built hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic on a cold April night.” This book is filled with interesting facts in Sramek’s efforts to keep the subject lively and the reader interested in completing the lessons.
The chapters follow the standard topics, but she ends the book with the most practical chapter of all “Successful Writing Skills.” Sramek condenses the whole book into a series of explanations and exercises utilizing the lessons taught in the first part to “practice, practice, practice.” The particular instruction and exercises enhance what comes before while using practical applications to emphasize each section. This chapter is good for students and the obvious reason for the book. This chapter is also very good for refreshing skills using proper grammar for others outside of the education sphere.
This book is definitely well targeted by the marketing department of Avon Press. Students preparing for SATs and ACT will benefit greatly. However, another marketing arm could be pursued with the businesses world. All persons who communicate via the written word would do well to review this book and work through the exercises. This reviewer is recommending this as a practical guide for any one that writes on a regular basis.
Review by Chris Phillips
Grammar books have certainly changed since this reviewer last looked at one. Sramek has written the suitably titled The Great Grammar Book. What stands out about the book is its layout. With a workbook style she covers all the regular topics, but very well. Starting with the Diagnostic Test in the beginning she instructs and informs with trivia and fresh exercises testing the material taught.
The Diagnostic Test is not easy and does test the basic ability of the reader. However, it does provide immediate support in showing the correct answers. The subsequent chapters strengthen the weaknesses revealed with this test. Each chapter is divided in to a statement of the rules, examples of these rules and exercises to reinforce the rules. Finally, the review exercises and the “Final Chapter Review” test the reader on all the topics thoroughly.
Remarkably, Sramek has introduced examples and exercise sentences that are both new and interesting as they stand. “George Washington created the Purple Heart in 1792, making it the nation’s oldest military decoration,” reveals a trivia tidbit that keeps the attention of the reader (pg. 73 for the exercise. This is the corrected version for those interested). Under Parentheses, one of the examples is something this reviewer didn’t know, another bit of trivia, “In 1898 (fourteen years before the Titanic tragedy) Morgan Robertson wrote the novel Futility, about the largest ship ever built hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic on a cold April night.” This book is filled with interesting facts in Sramek’s efforts to keep the subject lively and the reader interested in completing the lessons.
The chapters follow the standard topics, but she ends the book with the most practical chapter of all “Successful Writing Skills.” Sramek condenses the whole book into a series of explanations and exercises utilizing the lessons taught in the first part to “practice, practice, practice.” The particular instruction and exercises enhance what comes before while using practical applications to emphasize each section. This chapter is good for students and the obvious reason for the book. This chapter is also very good for refreshing skills using proper grammar for others outside of the education sphere.
This book is definitely well targeted by the marketing department of Avon Press. Students preparing for SATs and ACT will benefit greatly. However, another marketing arm could be pursued with the businesses world. All persons who communicate via the written word would do well to review this book and work through the exercises. This reviewer is recommending this as a practical guide for any one that writes on a regular basis.
January 30, 2012
Headline: Great it is...
When I was in school I didn’t do well in several classes English topping the list. As an adult with a passion for writing book reviews I’m always conscientious of my grammatical flaws. Wishing I hadn’t wasted that time in school. I regret it now so I’ve tried diligently to make up for lost time. Fortunately for me I have resources such as this one to help with that.
A few years ago I started searching for English books that would fill in the gaps of my missed education. I need to find material that would act as my at home teacher. Several years later I’m blessed with a copy of The Great Grammar book. It opens with a Diagnostic Test that helps the reader assess where they are with parts of speech. It also has several tests throughout so you can gage your progress. The book has twelve chapters and within each chapter are several exercises and chapter review which takes you through the highlights of that chapter.
When I was in school most of this stuff seemed boring and I had no idea how I would use the information once I graduated so I checked out. There wasn’t one time I felt bored or overwhelmed with the information in The Great Grammar Book. I believe this book is great for school age and adults. It’s easy and relatable for us today.
One of my favorite chapters was the last “Successful Writing Strategies” As a reviewer this one held a special place in my heart because I love to share but sometimes my shares are a bit too wordy, part one of the chapter is titled Write Concisely: Eliminate Wordiness. Sramek has created a great resource for anyone who writes for others.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.
Missy
Readers Paradise
5 book marks
When I was in school I didn’t do well in several classes English topping the list. As an adult with a passion for writing book reviews I’m always conscientious of my grammatical flaws. Wishing I hadn’t wasted that time in school. I regret it now so I’ve tried diligently to make up for lost time. Fortunately for me I have resources such as this one to help with that.
A few years ago I started searching for English books that would fill in the gaps of my missed education. I need to find material that would act as my at home teacher. Several years later I’m blessed with a copy of The Great Grammar book. It opens with a Diagnostic Test that helps the reader assess where they are with parts of speech. It also has several tests throughout so you can gage your progress. The book has twelve chapters and within each chapter are several exercises and chapter review which takes you through the highlights of that chapter.
When I was in school most of this stuff seemed boring and I had no idea how I would use the information once I graduated so I checked out. There wasn’t one time I felt bored or overwhelmed with the information in The Great Grammar Book. I believe this book is great for school age and adults. It’s easy and relatable for us today.
One of my favorite chapters was the last “Successful Writing Strategies” As a reviewer this one held a special place in my heart because I love to share but sometimes my shares are a bit too wordy, part one of the chapter is titled Write Concisely: Eliminate Wordiness. Sramek has created a great resource for anyone who writes for others.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.
Missy
Readers Paradise
5 book marks
February 18, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
The Great Grammar Book by Marsha Sramek is a book that is a must have for everyone. This book helps everyone with their grammar and writing. In the beginning of the book is a diagnostic test. This test shows you where you may need help. Following that come twelve chapters with exercises and chapter reviews which take you through the chapter high points. In the back of the book you will find the answer keys and the topic index. This is a great reference book. It helps with the correct word to use and when to use it. You'll find your grammar and writing will improve. This book would make a great gift to give. It would look fantastic on your bookshelf. It would also look good on any library's bookshelf. My copy has a prominent spot on my bookshelf. I gave this book 5 stars but it deserves many, many more. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially school age, high school, college and adult. This book will most likely have the covers worn out but it will keep on with the great information inside. I look for more great books from Marsha Sramek.
The Great Grammar Book by Marsha Sramek is a book that is a must have for everyone. This book helps everyone with their grammar and writing. In the beginning of the book is a diagnostic test. This test shows you where you may need help. Following that come twelve chapters with exercises and chapter reviews which take you through the chapter high points. In the back of the book you will find the answer keys and the topic index. This is a great reference book. It helps with the correct word to use and when to use it. You'll find your grammar and writing will improve. This book would make a great gift to give. It would look fantastic on your bookshelf. It would also look good on any library's bookshelf. My copy has a prominent spot on my bookshelf. I gave this book 5 stars but it deserves many, many more. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially school age, high school, college and adult. This book will most likely have the covers worn out but it will keep on with the great information inside. I look for more great books from Marsha Sramek.
May 13, 2012
As a homeschool mom and as an aspiring writer, I've checked out a lot of grammar and writing books. This one has some features I really appreciate. I loved the diagnostic test at the beginning. This is a great way to hone in on your weak areas and build confidence (especially for a student who isn't a fan of grammar) in the areas they are already good at.
I also liked the focus on using sentences that have fun facts and are not the kind of thing you find in your average grammar book. My son and I read though the book and found it entertaining and enlightening.
One of the things I wished there had been more of was writing helps. There is one section with writing helps in the back of the book, but I think too many students graduate without the ability to write well. I'm glad they included this section though.
I think this is a great tool. I'm very thankful to Arch Books and Goodreads for providing this as part of the First-Reads program; though I didn't let it influence my review.
I also liked the focus on using sentences that have fun facts and are not the kind of thing you find in your average grammar book. My son and I read though the book and found it entertaining and enlightening.
One of the things I wished there had been more of was writing helps. There is one section with writing helps in the back of the book, but I think too many students graduate without the ability to write well. I'm glad they included this section though.
I think this is a great tool. I'm very thankful to Arch Books and Goodreads for providing this as part of the First-Reads program; though I didn't let it influence my review.
February 18, 2015
I wish I had had this book when I taught in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. In 11 years of teaching and working with inmate students, I endeavored to supplement the text we used in GED English with interesting and creative ways to present materialto overcome conditioned resistance to learning that characterized the attitudes of many of my students. A long sentence just to point out that had this book been available, I would not have had to work so hard.
The author has filled her text with practice sentences that catch the imagination and help focus attention on the subject. Crucial factors in facilitating learning. Nothing boring here.
Students and teachers will find the diagnostic test, the many practice exercises, the strategies for successful writing, and the usage glossary expecially effective.
I deeply appreciate the research that went into producing this unique text that combines effective teaching strategies and surprisingly interesting practice items, an engaging combination for both student and teacher.
The author has filled her text with practice sentences that catch the imagination and help focus attention on the subject. Crucial factors in facilitating learning. Nothing boring here.
Students and teachers will find the diagnostic test, the many practice exercises, the strategies for successful writing, and the usage glossary expecially effective.
I deeply appreciate the research that went into producing this unique text that combines effective teaching strategies and surprisingly interesting practice items, an engaging combination for both student and teacher.
May 7, 2015
I have a nice collection of grammar and writing books and I'm working on a Bachelor's Degree in English and Literature so this book was right up my alley. I was cautious when I started looking through it as there are so many terrible books out there trying to teach grammar. This is a great way to get those various grammar rules and understanding into your brain. I love the worksheets to help reinforce what you are trying to learn. It's easy enough to make copies of the worksheets so you can practice several times. The composition topics were just as easy to follow and learn. Very nice presentation and organization. I highly recommend this book for those struggling to grasp grammar and composition and all the way up to those just wanting to polish their skills a bit. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2012
The only solid grammar rule I knew through most of school was that the English language had a lot of exceptions and broke a lot of rules. It wasn't until I studied German in highschool that I began to understand the patterns or rules in the English language, or felt I understood them.
I learned so much just from taking the diagnostic test at the beginning of this book. This book is fabulous, effective, and user-friendly.
(Please, don't judge this book based on the grammar in my review.)
I learned so much just from taking the diagnostic test at the beginning of this book. This book is fabulous, effective, and user-friendly.
(Please, don't judge this book based on the grammar in my review.)
March 24, 2015
I took Latin in school and I loved how it helped me with grammar. I also love the way this book is formatted. It is easy to follow, helpful and includes ways to strengthen your skills. There are tests and exercises and so much more. The usage glossary itself is worth the money to buy the book. I highly recommend this book for people that love languages, are in school or just want to improve their word power. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review via The book Review Buzz, however all opinions are my own.
February 9, 2010
Although this book was made for high school and college students I have found it beneficial to me. There are plenty of fun practice exercises. Even though I am a teacher who has taught grammar in the past, I especially found the diagnostic test useful. I took it and found my own weaknesses. Schools today need to go back to a basic grammar book and I personally think this one would fit the bill.
February 12, 2015
I received this book for a fair review.
Overview: This is a grammar guide, people. We get a diagnostic test, and separated chapters for specialized lessons. It’s not meant to be fun.
Dislikes: When did being grammatically correct trump what the sentence would sound like when read aloud? Because a lot of these practice sentences are awkward at best.
Conclusion: I think I’ll just stick with Strunk’s “Elements of Style.”
Overview: This is a grammar guide, people. We get a diagnostic test, and separated chapters for specialized lessons. It’s not meant to be fun.
Dislikes: When did being grammatically correct trump what the sentence would sound like when read aloud? Because a lot of these practice sentences are awkward at best.
Conclusion: I think I’ll just stick with Strunk’s “Elements of Style.”
November 12, 2012
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I think it is a really good book that teaches you grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. I also like the testing in the beginning, it helps to show your strengths and weaknesses, so you know what you need to work on.
It's a really helpful book. I know it'll be a book I keep going back to, whenever I need help.
It's a really helpful book. I know it'll be a book I keep going back to, whenever I need help.
Want to read
October 28, 2009Sent for review.
Currently reading
March 14, 2013Frankly, I never finished reading book. It wasn't my cup of tea.
July 18, 2012
I have really enjoyed this as a workbook. It didn't feel too textbook-like to me. It has been a great refresher and I will keep it in my office for future reference.
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November 20, 2012i think that
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