Practical English Usage (3rd Edition)

This is regarded as a classic text, but in the eight years that I have owned it I can't say that I have ever found the answer to a single grammar or usage problem in this book. During a stint in Japan as an ELT teacher I did use the section on taboo words as the basis for an Upper Intermediate/Advanced lesson, but this can hardly be said to justify the cover price - or the weight and space it took up in my suitcase!

Handy guide to refer to (13/13 people found this helpful)

I've found this book very useful and easy to use for grammatical queries. You know how it is when you're not just quite sure about something, e.g. hypen usage - well this book is great to have at hand.

A very useful grammar the size of a dictionary (66/70 people found this helpful)

This grammar book has the size of a dictionary, and the entries are in alphabetical order for quick reference. It is "intended for intermediate and advanced students, and for teachers of English," as it is stated in the introduction. I particularly enjoy the bright white of the paper and the use of a brown-red for the entries, whereas their explanations are in black, in bold type and cursive. There are also ten very interesting pages about "newspaper headlines" and useful information on "stress, rhythm and intonation," as well as "weak and strong forms."
I have a degree in foreign languages and literatures and have taught English for the last ten years. I think everyone who studies the English language should have this book on their shelves, next to their dictionaries, for whatever your grammar doubt is, you'll quickly find a solution to your problem.

it is recommended (20/25 people found this helpful)

when I started studying English at university,I was in great need to an English Grammar book.once I went to the liberary,and searching for that,I began having a look at all the grammar books in there,I met with Practical English Usage and dwelled on studying its content.I found everything amazing and helpful.What I like in this book most is details on ing-form,Articles,Tenses.
Honestly,I am feeling that my English is good by virtue of this book.I recommend all students to have it immediately and have reference to it when Grammar problem arises.
Yours Sincerely;
Amrani Djallal.
Radio Operator.

Best reference book on grammar! (87/88 people found this helpful)

I studied English as a second language and have been teaching it for over 10 years in Hong Kong. From time to time, I need to consult a dictionary or a reference book on usages and grammar. I saw this book by accident several years ago in the education section of the university library and I knew it's the one book I couldn't do without. I rushed to the bookshop to get my own copy and I've been using it ever since. I would recommend it to anybody who is serious in improving his or her own English. After you've read this book you'll be surprised to find English Grammar can actually be presented in a user-friendly manner. The concepts are very clearly defined and well-illustrated by self-explanatory examples. For elementary learners and beginners, I would also recommend "Practical English Grammar" by the same author. It's a good start and accompanied with an exercise book. All in all, it is a MUST for all ESL learners.

Practical English Usage (3rd Edition)

Michael Swan

Reader Reviews:

Big, fat and useless (0/1 people found this helpful)

Handy guide to refer to (13/13 people found this helpful)

A very useful grammar the size of a dictionary (66/70 people found this helpful)

it is recommended (20/25 people found this helpful)

Best reference book on grammar! (87/88 people found this helpful)

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