A Comprehensive Russian Grammar (Blackwell Reference Grammars)

This must be the most accessible and comprehensive of any Russian grammar on the market, still the standard work amongst a clutch of more recently published simplified, 'easy learner' grammars. No stone is left unturned in the language, and the helpfully numbered sections of clear, straightforward explanations and solid examples (many taken from Russian literature) are supported by reams of footnotes and the grammatical exceptions and oddities any serious student will relish. The language of each explanation is practical and not cluttered, and each point is easy to understand in its own right, as well as placed nicely into the context of the wider unit it sits in.

It is a grammar that serves equally well as a course companion or a 'dip-in' reference book. For teachers, the numbering will no doubt prove useful for setting independent study / homework lists. The indexed companion workbook which is available is excellent for giving you a structured roadmap to make your way through the grammar. The companion workbook can be found here: A Russian Grammar Workbook (Blackwell Reference Grammars)

Wholeheartedly recommended for any serious student of Russian or comparative grammar.

Expect nothing less from this author than great. (1/1 people found this helpful)

This book is, of course, the best around for those learning Russian. It has clear explanations of ALL of the grammer bits and pieces, and uses very good examples; it gives abnormalities also.
I have been learning Russian now for 6 years, and I hope to study it at University in 2008, and I know that this book will be a bible to me in the coming years.
My only problem is that this book is aimed at university students, and so it can sometimes take a while to understand exactly what is being said, however that is the problem with buying books aimed at people above your ability. Although, this book has already been a lifesaver for me in many situations in my IB Russian.
Along with the Russian Grammar Workbook (by the same author), one can find it easy (or should I say less difficult) to pick up the different grammar rules.
My teachers also use this, as a reference book for their use, but mainly as a teaching aid; they seem to swear by this book, recomending that my fellow higher students purchace this book on starting the course.

Essential for serious students (10/10 people found this helpful)

If you're serious about studying Russian and progressing to an advanced level, this is an essential and invaluable grammar. Designed primarily for degree-level Russian, 'A Comprehensive Russian Grammar', like the other books in the series, covers almost every grammar rule, intricacy and exception, using numerous examples (many taken from contemporary and literary sources) and clear outlines. As a reference, it is a powerful tool for achieving an accuracy that other grammars lack.

Whilst not for the faint-hearted or beginner, Wade deals with a number of minor grammar points that other grammars overlook. If you're serious about Russian, and eager to get the grammar absolutely right, this is for you. The benchmark for modern language reference grammars

Essential for anyone using Russian (27/27 people found this helpful)

At the time of publication, this had been the first in-depth study of the Russian language for English speakers to appear in decades. Despite Offord having since written two excellent works (Using Russian, and An Advanced Grammar Course - also essential), I still rate this the most important grammar for anyone serious in learning the language.

The layout is extremely user-friendly, and whilst not aimed at beginners, the explanations are very clear. A major distinction from previous Russian grammars is a more widespread use of examples from modern sources (newspapers, TV etc) rather than solely classic literature.

Particularly impressive is the treatment of prepositions, which are categorised by basic meaning (eg spatial, temporal etc), rather than case government. In addition, few other grammars have given sufficient space to the treatment of particles, which, for English speakers is probably the most difficult aspect of Russian to master.

Overall, for what has seemingly become the template for most Slavonic Grammars that have since been published, this book is essential.

A Comprehensive Russian Grammar (Blackwell Reference Grammars)

Terence Wade

Reader Reviews:

No stone left unturned - thoroughly comprehensive (1/1 people found this helpful)

Expect nothing less from this author than great. (1/1 people found this helpful)

Essential for serious students (10/10 people found this helpful)

Essential for anyone using Russian (27/27 people found this helpful)

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