This page contains resources to help you master English grammar. The books, e-books, and other resources listed here are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are many additional grammar-related dictionaries, handbooks, guides, etc. available through the TUJ library.
To find material in the library catalog on the topic of grammar, try searching with one or more of the subject headings below (clicking on these links will open a new window and automatically launch a catalog search):
And don't forget! You can always ask a librarian for help finding the information that you need. Use the boxes to the left to start chatting with a librarian, send us an email, or check our hours before stopping by the library in person. You can also make an appointment with a librarian for in-depth research help.
Although not part of the library's physical or digital collections, the following sites are recommended by librarians as free, reliable, trustworthy sources of information about English grammar:
This section includes just some of the many physical books that you can find on the shelves in the TUJ library. Most of these books are available for you to borrow and take home.
Books in our library are organized on the shelves by their Library of Congress call numbers. If you need help finding a book, please ask for assistance at the library service desk. To borrow a book, simply bring it to the service desk along with your TUJ student ID card.
Best Bets - These grammar guides are written specifically for students and may be easier to read and understand than other similar books:
Grammar : a student's guide by
This introductory guide to grammar explains one hundred basic grammatical terms. A knowledge of such terms, and how they interconnect, is crucial for an understanding of the structure and function of language. The explanations are listed alphabetically for easy reference, like a dictionary, but offer much more than a simple definition. Each entry is divided into sections, providing a clear explanation, examples, exercises, and highlighting the main contrasts and interrelationships between the terms. Many entries contain a 'for interest' section which sets out further fascinating points, often drawing on some of the more exotic languages of the world, or discussing important contemporary issues, such as dialects, standard language, and sexism in language. Clearly written and easy to use, this book will be an invaluable source of information for students of language and linguistics.
A Student's Grammar of the English Language by
This volume is a shortened version of A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. Although the structure of the parent volume has been preserved so that reference to it can easily be made, this grammar has been especially written to take into account the needs of advanced students of grammar in colleges and universities.
A Student's Introduction to English Grammar by
This groundbreaking undergraduate textbook on modern Standard English grammar is the first to be based on the revolutionary advances of the authors' previous work, The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (2002). The analyses defended there are outlined here more briefly, in an engagingly accessible and informal style. Errors of the older tradition of English grammar are noted and corrected, and the excesses of prescriptive usage manuals are firmly rebutted in specially highlighted notes that explain what older authorities have called 'incorrect' and show why those authorities are mistaken. This book is intended for students in colleges or universities who have little or no previous background in grammar, and presupposes no linguistics. It contains exercises, and will provide a basis for introductions to grammar and courses on the structure of English not only in linguistics departments but also in English language and literature departments and schools of education.
A University Grammar of English by More Grammar Guides and Handbooks:
The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language by
This book presents a new and comprehensive descriptive grammar of English, written by the principal authors in collaboration with an international research team of a dozen linguists in five countries. It represents a major advance over previous grammars by virtue of drawing systematically on the linguistic research carried out on English during the last forty years. It incorporates insights from the theoretical literature but presents them in a way that is accessible to readers without formal training in linguistics. It is based on a sounder and more consistent descriptive framework than previous large-scale grammars, and includes much more explanation of grammatical terms and concepts, together with justification for the ways in which the analysis differs from traditional grammar. The book contains twenty chapters and a guide to further reading. Its usefulness is enhanced by diagrams of sentence structure, cross-references between sections, a comprehensive index, and user-friendly design and typography throughout.
McGraw-Hill Handbook of English by
A comprehensive handbook of English grammar, usage, diction, and composition with general review exercises.
Modern English : a practical reference guide by
This guide to English usage describes the word order, puncuation, rhetorical effect and special meanings of each grammatical structure. Emphasizing both formal and informal written English, it features a number of examples in natural language.
The New Fowler's Modern English Usage by
First published in 1926, A Dictionary of Modern English Usage is one of the most celebrated reference books of the twentieth century. Commonly known as "Fowler," after its inimitable author, H.W. Fowler, it has sold more than a million copies and maintained a devoted following over seven decades, in large part because of its charming blend of information and good humor, delivered in the voice of a genial if somewhat idiosyncratic schoolmaster. "Reading Fowler," William F. Buckley once noted, "provides instruction and knowledge and direction, but the whole of it is a sensual delight." And Jessica Mitford wrote that Fowler's style "has afforded me endless amusement and instruction through my very long life." The first place to turn for sensible advice on the thorny issues of grammar, meaning, and pronunciation, "Fowler" is one of those rare reference books that can also be read simply for pleasure. Now this classic is available in a new edition--the first major revision since Fowler's original. Rewritten, updated, and expanded to take into account the vast linguistic changes of the past three-quarters of a century, here are thousands of alphabetically arranged entries, offering advice and background information on all aspects of the English language, from grammar to spelling to literary style. This masterful revision has been carried out by Robert Burchfield, hailed by The Chicago Tribune as "the greatest living lexicographer." In his hands, the MEU has retained its beloved traits--accessibility, authority, and (not least) personality--while acquiring new ones, most notably, up-to-the-minute currency. As in "Fowler," the new edition is a cornucopia of information on such troublesome areas as the plural form of foreign words (adagio, curriculum, memorandum, virus); related or like-sounding words (affect/effect, continual/continuous); rarely encountered literary terms (alcaics, alexandrine, arsis); and unusual inflected forms (for instance, taxi, taxis, taxiing). But there are also many innovations. Burchfield, who spent decades working on the Oxford English Dictionary, has introduced the OED's historical approach to the MEU, providing fascinating details on how and when new usages entered the language. In addition, he has combed novels, newspapers, and magazines to replenish the book's many illustrative sentences with new examples from the 1980s and 1990s, taken from such sources as The New Yorker and The New York Review of Books, and from such writers as Saul Bellow, John Updike, Kingsley and Martin Amis, Anita Brookner, and Penelope Lively. The new MEU also covers much more of the English-speaking world than did "Fowler"--including not only the United Kingdom and the United States, but also Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and elsewhere--and pronunciation is now given in the International Phonetic Alphabet, with an easy-to-consult guide given across each double-page spread. For seventy years, A Dictionary of Modern English Usage has supplied readers with information, guidance, and amusement. This major revision provides an MEU for the next century: a completely up-to-date work based on the immense databases of the Oxford English Dictionary, providing the same insightful, authoritative, and lively coverage that has long made "Fowler" a synonym for correct English.
The Oxford English Grammar by
Written by one of the world's leading grammarians, The Oxford English Grammar is a completely new book which combines an authoritative review of and topic reference for English grammar. Opening with an outline of national, regional, and social variation in English, the book details descriptive and prescriptive approaches, and attitudes to English amongst both native and non-native speakers. This is followed by an account of the development of grammar, and a review of modern approaches to this complex subject. The central section of the book is a presentation of current English grammar at sentence, clause, phrase, and word level; with the last chapters covering grammar in relation to discourse, word-formation, lexis, pronunciation and intonation, punctuation, and spelling. A full index is provided, and examples of usage are drawn from a wide range of sources, including use of the new International Corpus of English at University College London. Written in a readable and absorbing style, The Oxford English Grammar is an essential reference for English-speakers around the world.
Practical English Usage by
The world's most trusted guide to problems in English - now in a new edition.
The Random House Handbook by
The book offers a comprehensive guide to writing and style, as well as special applications. With its new emphasis on academic writing, the handbook now presents the research paper alongside the chapters on the writing cycle and provides coverage of reviewing and editing work by peers. Thoroughly revised to reflect the demands of today's freshman composition curriculum, the handbook also includes more exercises, more literate examples, and new coverage of critical thinking.
Webster's New World English Grammar Handbook by
Covers the basics of standard English usage in a concise, step-by-step format including a 'General Observation' feature that provides grammar rules and tips at a glance. This book provides sections on writing, spelling, and punctuation, and an appendix on misused words and expressions. It is suitable for non-writing professionals and students.
This section includes just some of the many electronic books available through the library catalog.
To access any of these books, click through to the catalog records linked below, and then look for a "View Online" section. There may be one or more links in the "View Online" section, which you can use to access the full text online. All of the titles below are accessible to all current Temple University students, but there may be access restrictions such as one user at a time, or limitations on downloading copies for some of them.
Best Bets - We recommend starting with these e-resources that are written specifically for students:
Brehe's Grammar Anatomy by
Brehe's Grammar Anatomy makes grammar accessible to general and specialist readers alike. This book provides an in-depth look at beginner grammar terms and concepts, providing clear examples with limited technical jargon. Whether for academic or personal use, Brehe's Grammar Anatomy is the perfect addition to any resource library.Features:Practice exercises at the end of each chapter, with answers in the back of the book, to help students test and correct their comprehensionFull glossary and index with cross-referencesEasy-to-read language supports readers at every learning stage
Essential English Grammar and Communication Strategies by
This book is for university students, with at least a mid-intermediate level of English. It is designed both for self-study and also as a support for a course on academic communication. It can thus be used alongside the companion volumes: Writing an Academic Paper in English and Giving an Academic Presentation in English. The book focuses only on those areas that are either the most commonly found in academic communication and/or cause the most problems. It is thus considerably more accessible than a traditional grammar or style guide. Grammar coverage includes: articles (a/an, the), countable vs uncountable nouns, modal verbs (can, may, could, might), comparisons, present and past tenses, link words, prepositions, and verbs that cause grammatical difficulties. There is a strong focus on those elements that make a paper more readable, and a presentation more accessible and memorable: clarity and empathy, sentence length, word order, and punctuation. There are chapters on two key areas of communication in academia: writing emails to editors, drafting a CV/resume. The book is laid out simply, with short explanations, and lots of example sentences (plus typical mistakes). Other books in the series: Writing an Academic Paper in English Giving an Academic Presentation in English Adrian Wallwork is the author of more than 40 ELT and EAP textbooks. He has trained several thousand PhD students and researchers from around 50 countries to write research papers and give presentations. He is also the co-founder of e4ac.com, an editing agency for non-native English-speaking researchers.
More Advanced Options:
The Cambridge Dictionary of English Grammar by
The most up-to-date A-Z resource available for English grammar, this dictionary provides concise, practical definitions and explanations of hundreds of terms. Each term includes examples and cross references to related concepts. All the currently accepted terms of grammar are included, as well as older, traditional names, controversial new coinages, and items from the study of other languages. The dictionary pinpoints differences in the use of the same terminology, such as 'adjunct', 'complement', 'verb phrase', as well as alternative terms used for much the same concept, such as 'noun phrase', 'nominal group'; 'agentless passive', 'short passive'. It provides a wealth of examples, as well as notes on the relative frequencies of grammatical alternatives, such as 'will' and 'shall'. It also draws attention to some of the differences between spoken and written English grammar.
The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language by
This book presents a new and comprehensive descriptive grammar of English, written by the principal authors in collaboration with an international research team of a dozen linguists in five countries. It represents a major advance over previous grammars by virtue of drawing systematically on the linguistic research carried out on English during the last forty years. It incorporates insights from the theoretical literature but presents them in a way that is accessible to readers without formal training in linguistics. It is based on a sounder and more consistent descriptive framework than previous large-scale grammars, and includes much more explanation of grammatical terms and concepts, together with justification for the ways in which the analysis differs from traditional grammar. The book contains twenty chapters and a guide to further reading. Its usefulness is enhanced by diagrams of sentence structure, cross-references between sections, a comprehensive index, and user-friendly design and typography throughout.
The Elements of English by
Stan Malles and Jeff McQuain have written this brief, yet very important glossary in the spirit of E.D. Hirsch's bestselling Cultural Literacy. Here is a dictionary of basic terms for literature, composition, and grammar that every American, no matter their age, needs to know. Perfect for home and classroom use, The Elements of English is simple to use, unintimidating to read and easy to understand. Each area of language arts is divided into its own section, and a comprehensive index is also included. Each entry is concise, yet explained very clearly. Examples are listed to illustrate meanings, as are reminders, hints, and tips that further define and elucidate the terms. The Elements of English has been used very successfully in classrooms across the country. This revised and expanded edition includes new entries plus three additional appendices. This is a little book that fills a big need, and it deserves a wide distribution and readership.
Introducing English Syntax by
Introducing English Syntax provides a basic introduction to syntax for students studying English as a foreign language at university. Examining English phrase and sentence structure from a descriptive point of view, this book develops the reader's understanding of the characteristic features of English sentence construction and provides the necessary theoretical apparatus for engaging with the language. Key features include: A unique framework combining theoretical and practical approaches to provide an insight into the intricacies of English syntax; An accessible and clear style which guides the learner through analysis, application and practical construction of sentences; A range of exercises at the end of each chapter and a brand new e-resource housing answers and commentaries to these exercises. This book requires no previous knowledge of linguistics and is essential reading for students and teachers of applied linguistics and EFL/ESL, as well as those who seek a basic grounding in English sentence structure.
The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar by
The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar is a straightforward and accessible A-Z guide to the diverse and often complex terminology of English grammar. It contains over 1,600 entries with clear and concise definitions, enhanced by numerous example sentences, as well as relevant quotations from the scholarly literature of the field.This second edition is written and edited by Professor Bas Aarts of University College London, writer of the acclaimed Oxford Modern English Grammar. It has been fully revised and updated, with particular attention paid to refreshing the example sentences included within the text. There are over 150 new entries that cover current terminology which has arisen since the publication of the first edition, and there are also new entries on the most important English grammars published since the start of the 20th century. Hundreds of new cross-references enhance the user-friendly nature of the text, and the list of works cited has been thoroughly updated to reflect the current state of the field. A short appendix of web links has been added.All in all, this Dictionary is an invaluable guide to English grammar for all students and teachers of the subject, as well as all those with an informed interest in the English language.
The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar by
English grammar has changed a great deal since the beginning of the Twentieth Century, and it is a subject that can provide a complex minefield of uncertainties within the language. This accessible and comprehensive dictionary comes to the aid of both the general reader and the student or teacher, offering straightforward and immediate A-Z access to 1,000 grammatical terms and their meanings. All the currently accepted terms of grammar are included, as well as older, traditional names, controversial new coinages, and items from the study of other languages. Concise definitions of the wider subject of linguistics, including phonetics and transformational grammar, are accompanied by examples of language in use, and frequent quotations from existing works on grammar.
The Oxford Handbook of English Grammar by
This handbook provides an authoritative, critical survey of current research and knowledge in the grammar of the English language. Following an introduction from the editors, the volume's expert contributors explore a range of core topics in English grammar, beginning with issues in grammar writing and methodology. Chapters in part II then examine the various theoretical approaches to grammar, such as cognitive, constructional, and generative approaches, followed by the chapters in part III, which comprehensively cover the different subdomains of grammar, including compounds, phrase structure, clause types, tense and aspect, and information structure. Part IV offers coverage of the relationship between grammar and other fields - lexis, phonology, meaning, and discourse - while the concluding part of the book investigates grammatical change over time, regional variation, and genre and literary variation. The handbook's wide-ranging coverage will appeal to researchers and students of English language and linguistics from undergraduate level upwards.
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