The bestselling workbook and grammar guide, revised and updated! Hailed as one of the best books around for teaching grammar, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation includes easy-to-understand rules, abundant examples, dozens of reproducible quizzes, and pre- and post-tests to help teach grammar to middle and high schoolers, college students, ESL students, homeschoolers, and more. This concise, entertaining workbook makes learning English grammar and usage simple and fun. This updated 12th edition reflects the latest updates to English usage and grammar, and includes answers to all reproducible quizzes to facilitate self-assessment and learning. Clear and concise, with easy-to-follow explanations, offering "just the facts" on English grammar, punctuation, and usage Fully updated to reflect the latest rules, along with even more quizzes and pre- and post-tests to help teach grammar Ideal for students from seventh grade through adulthood in the US and abroad For anyone who wants to understand the major rules and subtle guidelines of English grammar and usage, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation offers comprehensive, straightforward instruction.

English has become a global language. In the minds of many worldwide, it guarantees a better life through enhanced social and economic opportunities. As a result, English teachers are in high demand. Some claim that English is attractive because as it has spread throughout the world, it has severed it's who adopt it. Grammar rules and vocabulary can simply be taught to eager learners so they can use English for social and economic advancement. However, learning English is more than mastering a certain number of words and memorizing a set of grammar rules. Although plugging words it is less effective for language learners. Language acquisition studies have discovered that both native and nonnative speakers learn English best not by being taught rules but by interacting with other users of the language, either orally or through print. This interaction introduces a social element to grammar that brings with it hidden social messages. For example, suppose a language learner has been taught that English has a very simple way to make requests: simply say the verb with no subject being expressed, as in "Open the door." After class, the student is carrying a pile of books and comes to a closed door. What would be the reaction of other English speakers if the student were to shout out to someone passing nearby, "Open the door"? The student would probably be considered rude. "Could you please open the door?" which has the form of a question rather than a command, would probably be considered more polite. Suppose an English teacher sees one of her students writing with a crayon rather than a pencil. She helpfully asks, "Don't you have a pencil?" If the student answers "yes," does that mean that the student does or does not have a pencil? The answer depends on which part of the world the student is from.

How to speak and write with complete confidence, and express yourself clearly.

This antiquarian volume contains a comprehensive guide to speaking and writing correctly, with information on grammar, sentence structure, writing letters, common pitfalls, comments on famous pieces of literature and their authors, and much more. Written in simple, clear language and full of helpful tips and hints, this text will be of considerable utility to those with a keen interest in linguistics, and it would make for a worthy addition to any personal library. The chapters of this book include: Essentials of English Grammar, The Sentence, Figurative Language, Punctuation, Letter Writing, Errors, Pitfalls to Avoid, Style, Suggestions, Slang, Writing for Newspapers, Choice of Words, English Language, and Masters and Masterpieces of Literature. We are republishing this vintage book now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a new prefatory biography of the author.