"Quicker than a split infinitive" (Getting to Grips With: Punctuation and Grammar - Catherine Hilton)

Member Name: Trevor15

Product:	Getting to Grips With: Punctuation and Grammar - Catherine Hilton
Date:	24/01/01 (121 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Confidence when writing. Introduction to the main grammar points in written English.

Disadvantages: None whatsoever.

"Quicker than a split-infinitive"

Do you confuse interrogative adverbs with some sort of terrifying tools of medieval torture? Or believe semicolons to be a new Ibiza dance sound? If so then it's time you got to grips with "Punctuation and Grammar" by Catherine Hilton and Margaret Hyder.

For the bargain price of £4.95 this little gem will provide all the basics that you could ever need in order to write with confidence. No more hesitation at writing that letter of complaint, or drafting that article for the local paper or even an opinion here at Dooyoo. A little bit of application from you and this little friend will have you running around correcting split infinitives in no time. Not that split infinitives are covered in the book, I just needed the term for effect :-)

Divided into two sections: Punctuation, and Grammar (catchy), the layout is devised for both a methodical approach and a dip-in / dip-out style. The former option being more of a building- block mode for those with the ability to concentrate at length. Me, I prefer the latter, as will most who already have some knowledge of the subject matter or limited time to commit at one sitting; but either way is fine for building knowledge - simply decide what works best for you.

Without further ado, let's have a look at the two sections in a little more detail: -

Punctuation
Section 1 commences with the absolute basics, asking such questions as what punctuation is and why we need it. Maybe a little basic for some but as mentioned above, the style of the book is building-block format. All the punctuation marks are individually discussed at some length, with examples given, along with general pitfalls, such as overuse, under use and omissions. As would be expected in a book of this style there are also exercises to complete in order to reinforce learning, but nothing too taxing. On average, 10 pages are given over to each punct
uation mark - considering the book is A5 size, you can assume how comprehensively each component is covered.

Grammar
Initially, probably the harder of the two sections for some people, but really nothing to worry about. In this category nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions are all covered along with the various types of each. For example, a pronoun is explained, its purpose, and then the derivatives i.e. personal, possessive, relative etc., are introduced. At first glance it may appear a little overwhelming but familiarity with the material soon erases any fears or confusion.

I first came across 'Punctuation and Grammar' when I was studying for an English qualification several years ago. I needed to substantially increase my knowledge of grammatical rules but did not want a stuffy textbook to have to wade through. This book fitted the bill perfectly and I still consider it as useful now as the day I bought it. I find it so effective that I always keep it on my desk and am forever dipping in. I wouldn't even say that it is only for adults as the design and layout is accessible to most age groups. Older children, though perhaps needing a little help, will also find it extremely useful, especially with the Government's initiative to reintroduce grammar onto the general curriculum.
Even if you consider yourself sufficiently versed in grammar terminology you may find yourself quite surprised by the tips that you can glean from this book.

Punctuation and Grammar takes it topics back to the very basics and builds upwards from there. It's purpose is to provide a general -albeit comprehensive - overview of its subjects in an accessible, bite-sized format. This approach succeeds with informing but without overwhelming, allowing the reader to progress at his or her own pace. Whether you are young or not so young, already familiar or not so much, this book would make an excellent addition to
any bookcase, being immensely useful to the whole family. - You could even correct the grammar in this op as one of your exercises :-)

For the bargain-basement price of a fiver, this book is an absolute steal. . . remaining an endless resource for students of most ages and abilities, self-improvers, writers and, of course, Dooyooers alike!


ISBN 1 85758 090 7 BPP (Letts Educational) Ltd

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