English Grammar for Dummies

Book Description

A few years ago, a magazine sponsored a contest for the comment most likely to end a conversation. The winning entry? "I teach English grammar." Just throw that line out at a party; everyone around you will clam up or start saying "whom."

Why does grammar make everyone so nervous? Probably because English teachers, for decades – no, for centuries – have been making a big deal out of grammar in classrooms, diagramming sentences and drilling the parts of speech, clauses, and verbals into students until they beg for mercy. Happily, you don't have to learn all those technical terms of English grammar – and you certainly don't have to diagram sentences – in order to speak and write correct English.

So rest assured – English Grammar For Dummies will probably never make your English teacher's top-ten list of must-read books, because you won't have to diagram a single sentence. What you will discover are fun and easy strategies that can help you when you're faced with such grammatical dilemmas as the choice between "I" and "me," "had gone" and "went," and "who" and "whom." With English Grammar For Dummies, you won't have to memorize a long list of meaningless rules (well, maybe a couple in the punctuation chapter!), because when you understand the reason for a particular word choice, you'll pick the correct word automatically.

English Grammar For Dummies covers many other topics as well, such as the following:

Verbs, adjectives, and adverbs – oh my!
Preposition propositions and pronoun pronouncements
Punctuation: The lowdown on periods, commas, colons, and all those other squiggly marks
Possession: It's nine-tenths of grammatical law
Avoiding those double negative vibes
How to spice up really boring sentences (like this one)
Top Ten lists on improving your proofreading skills and ways to learn better grammar

Just think how improving your speaking and writing skills will help you in everyday situations, such as writing a paper for school, giving a presentation to your company's big wigs, or communicating effectively with your family. You will not only gain the confidence in knowing you're speaking or writing well, but you'll also make a good impression on those around you!

Customer Reviews:

Very Complete, for an introductory book!.......2007-08-29

Most self-help grammar books out there give you about a dozen rules of thumb to follow, without actually teaching you anything about grammar. Those books suck, because you can not apply what you learn to more than the 12 instances that are perfectly similar to an examples given. This book is different. It actually teaches you grammatical rules, so you can apply what you learn. I think it is the best introductory self-help grammar book out there.

Invaluable reference for english students.......2006-09-02

A career change forced me to return to college. After almost 10 years since graduating from high school, I forgot a lot of the rules about English writing. English Grammar for Dummies helped to refresh my memory, as well teach me a few things that I did not learn from my high school english teacher. I was able to pass English 101 with an A (not as easy as it sounds when your instructor is published author and PhD in literature). I am taking English 102 this semester and will continue to refer to the Dummies book as frequently as the class text. I recommend this book for any student, or anyone who does formal writing on a regular basis.

Refreshing.......2006-07-04

I like to keep this book within arm's reach when I'm at the keyboard; it's simple and easy to use. Granted, the Chicago Manual of Style is an important book to have on hand, but EG for Dummies and Strunk and White are so much handier, and less clunky. Like other Dummy books, it speaks to the reader, not at him, like someone is talking with you as a friend or favorite teacher in a nice, relaxed manner. It's like taking a refresher course which, unless you're a professional proofreader or writer, we can all use from time to time.

an excellent study guide for the SAT writing section.......2006-06-29

Since grammar is not routinely taught or emphasized in the classrooms, it is imperative that high school students destined to take the SATs have a comprehensive guide to grammar which is simple but complete. This is a great grammar teaching/learning tool, and produced great results.

Great beginning book.......2006-03-21

Great book to refresh your grammar skills. Really liked this book, very easy and great book to read.

Average customer rating:

Enhance and Enlarge your Vocabulary!

Vocabulary for Dummies
Laurie E. Rozakis
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

English Grammar for Dummies

ASIN: 0764553933

Book Description

Someone just called you captious. Should you be flattered? Considering your extreme lactose intolerance, is it a good idea to order veau au béchamel from a French menu? Calumny is to slander as obloquy is to a) flattery, b) sermon, or c) invective? You’ve just heard that your new boss is a real martinet, should you be worried or excited about an attractive new addition to your workplace?

Your boyfriend says you have no élan, is he telling you you’re all out of yogurt? Starting to wish you’d paid more attention in English class? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to develop a million dollar vocabulary—and Vocabulary For Dummies offers you a fast, fun and easy way to do it.

Whether you’re facing standardized tests, or you want to feel more knowledgeable at work or more comfortable in social situations, this book is for you. In no time you’ll:

Dramatically expand your vocabulary
Speak with style
Write with panache
Make a better impression a work or school
Dine out with confidence
Have the right words for formal occasions and ethnic events
Get more out of what you read

Vocabulary For Dummies doesn’t overwhelm you with endless word lists. Instead, it gives you a complete vocabulary-building program that familiarizes you with words from all areas of life as they’re used in context—from bar mitzvahs to business meetings, PCs to politics—with a host of fun features, including:

Word tables organized by common features, such as language of origin, professional or social contexts, similarities, and more
Sample conversations incorporate new terms and define related ones
Before-and-After examples show how to replace old, general terms with new specific vocabulary
Pointers reinforce understanding with examples of correct and incorrect usage
Chapters on terms from finance, law, medicine, eating and shopping, history and mythology, various languages, and more

Vocabulary For Dummies makes it easier than ever for you to get a handle on difficult words and get ahead at school, at work, and in life.

Customer Reviews:

Enhance and Enlarge your Vocabulary!.......2002-04-25

This is a book for those who seek to improve and enlarge their vocabulary. Communicating effectively is key to success in all aspects of life, especially in business, teaching etc. On that account, Rozakis attempts to teach us words that are essential for effective conversations. She also provides clear examples as to how to use the words in everyday situations. If you want to express yourself clearly, this is an invaluable reference for you. Do not hesitate, buy this book this instant. You will not be disappointed!

Average customer rating:

THANK YOU SUZEE VLK!
Reallly Great Book

SAT Vocabulary for Dummies
Suzee Vlk
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

English Grammar for Dummies

ASIN: 0764525468

Book Description

Unfortunately, most students don’t have the wealth of words or the volume of vocabulary that enable them to get top scores on the SAT I (the test that most people call “the SAT”). The fact that you don’t have an SAT vocabulary isn’t due to a lack of intelligence, it’s due to the fact that almost everyone speaks using concise sentences that get to the point, rather than belabor it.

Everyone begins with a different level of vocabulary. You may already know half of the words here or you may only know a few. Regardless of how strong or weak your vocabulary currently is, SAT Vocabulary For Dummies will help you build your vocabulary and boost your test scores.

SAT Vocabulary For Dummies focuses exclusively on the vocabulary you need to know to get a good verbal score on the SAT. In this fun and easy-to-understand guide, test-prep guru Suzee Vlk provides you with a reliable way to increase your vocabulary—and scores. Unlike most vocabulary books, which provide long, boring, alphabetical lists of words, this groundbreaking guide organizes vocabulary into easy-to-remember categories (such as “personal appearance,” “intelligence,” or “money”). This book also:

Focuses on “hot” SAT words—the 500 or so that turn up again and again on the exams
Illustrates the meaning of words by placing them in the context of a sentence—usually through humorous stories
Delivers lots of practical tips and tools for remembering tough words
Gives the lowdown on roots
Lists antonyms and synonyms and shows ways to increase comprehension using context
Contains practice questions with answer explanations

Packed with tips, tricks, stories, and jokes that will help build your vocabulary, SAT Vocabulary For Dummies is a painless way to get a handle on the words that you need to master before you take the SAT.

Customer Reviews:

THANK YOU SUZEE VLK!.......2007-08-31

this is by far the best book that i have used to help improve my vocabulary. the method of grouping words is extremely effective and it was surprisingly fun to learn from this book. The stories are interesting and entertaining, compared to the ones in other books. The author provides pronunciation of the words, as well as ways to use them in sentences. The exercises following each chapter are very similar to the sentence completion questions on the actual SAT. After studying with this book, even though i skipped most of the gray boxes (that contain more advanced words), i was able to answer over 90% of the vocabulary questions on every practice SAT. In addition, it aided me tremendously on the critical reading sections as well.
I am extremely glad that I purchased this book!

Reallly Great Book.......2007-05-04

This is a good book for people getting ready to take the SAT and don't do well on vocabulary

Baby Signing For Dummies (For Dummies (Language & Literature))

Average customer rating:

Baby signing for dummies
Wish I had this book with my first child!
Great Resource especially for beginner Baby Signers
Very Helpful Book

Baby Signing For Dummies (For Dummies (Language & Literature))
Jennifer Watson
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Signing for Dummies
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Baby Einstein - My First Signs

ASIN: 0471773867

Book Description

Have you thought about signing with your baby or toddler? Parents and caregivers are discovering the benefits of using American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with children long before they can speak. Some studies show that signing babies talk sooner, have larger vocabularies, and have fewer tantrums!

Baby Signing For Dummies gives you the skills to connect in a meaningful way with your hearing baby or toddler. Packed with more than 150 illustrated signs, this friendly, easy-to-follow guide shows you how to use simple hand gestures and baby-specific signing techniques to start interacting with your baby. Every sign is accompanied by step-by-step directions and an illustration—from meeting and greeting, people, and mealtime signs to clothes, animals, outdoor signs, and, of course, bath time and bedtime. You’ll discover how to:

Introduce signs to your baby
Incorporate signing into daily life
Make everyday events easier with signs
Overcome stumbling blocks
Decrease fussing and crying through signing
Help your baby sign combinations of words
Keep your baby safe with signing
Get the whole family involved
Find outside help (Web sites, videos, and signing schools and courses)

Complete with illustrations of the entire ASL alphabet, signing dos and don’ts, and ten songs to sign along with, Baby Signing For Dummies is the key to enhancing communication with your child and increasing his/her intelligence in a simple, fun, and rewarding way!

Customer Reviews:

Baby signing for dummies.......2007-05-13

Great book, this has been very helpful communicating with our young grandchildren!!!

Wish I had this book with my first child!.......2007-02-05

This book is a great way to learn sign language and teach your babies/kids. My now 20 month old is able to tell me what she needs and there is much less frustration in the house than I had with my first child at this age. My 4 1/2 year old and my 20 month old can communicate with each other as well through signs. I love this book and it has started me on a path of learning/teaching more signs. You can't go wrong with it - even if you only use one sign from it (you don't have to remember them all to have your life easier by using signs).

Great Resource especially for beginner Baby Signers.......2007-01-10

If you've heard any of the buzz about teaching your baby to sign, but don't know or understand the importance...this book will tell you. It's informative and easy to read. You'll learn some basic and everyday useful signs to share with your baby. Signing is advantageous for all ages to learn. My almost 7 year old and 3 1/2 year old really enjoy learning new signs (now that I have a book) past the couple I taught them eons back and help with the 20 month old in her learning. Signing makes communicating so much easier too. Neither one of us is frustrated in knowing when she's done eating or wanting more. I can communicate across a noisy room without yelling. And to find out that it's only helping their brain power by learning to sign...what parent or caregiver wouldn't want that. This book helps make that possible in easy steps.

Very Helpful Book.......2007-01-10

This book is wonderful in learning how to sign with your baby. It is very easy to read and understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone learning to sign with their baby.

Teaching Kids to Spell For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback))

Average customer rating:

Simple Teaching Tool
Sheree B -Boston
A book full of activites

Teaching Kids to Spell For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback))
Tracey Wood
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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Binding: Paperback

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Spelling Made Simple

ASIN: 0764576240

Book Description

Filled with enjoyable spelling activities and exercises

The fun and easy way® to help your K-5th grader become an A+ speller

If you want to make spelling easier for your child or boost spelling skills and confidence, you've come to the right place. Veteran reading specialist Tracey Wood gives you tips, games, exercises, word lists, and memory aids to help your child build solid spelling know-how. Her techniques are fun, fast, and effective, and best of all, they're not boring!

Discover how to

Mix spelling practice with reading and writing
Spell short and long vowel words
Make spelling easier with word families
Gain insight into "sight" words
Break spelling into syllable chunks

Customer Reviews:

Simple Teaching Tool.......2007-04-09

Although this book is aimed at parents, it is a quick and easy tool for teachers as well. I have seen several ideas that can be used in my kindergarten classroom and shared with parents to use at home. The book also covers severl levels from beginning spellers to higher levels.

Sheree B -Boston.......2006-06-15

If you want your child to win the national spelling bee this probably isnt the book you need but if you want simple explanations of fairly hard spellings this is a great book. You get lists of words with tricky sounds in them and a lot of word families and its all explained in easy terms. I have taught my child many of the lists and will keep going.

A book full of activites.......2005-07-29

I found this book very practical and helpful.It gave me fun games and simple word lists.try this book if you want tips and useful information that really works.

Spanish All Talk Basic Language Course (4 Hour/4 Cds): Learn to Understand and Speak Spanish with Linguaphone Language Programs (All Talk) (All Talk)

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Spanish All Talk Basic Language Course (4 Hour/4 Cds): Learn to Understand and Speak Spanish with Linguaphone Language Programs (All Talk) (All Talk)
Linguaphone
Manufacturer: Linguaphone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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Spanish for Dummies

ASIN: 0747309515

Product Description

On-the-go Instrction Because your time is valuable... All Audio All on the go! Beginning level instruction is presented in an all-audio format on 4 digitally-recorded CDs. You have the opportunity to learn on the go, taking advantage of time normally wasted. Study in your car, while exercising, doing yard work anywhere you can safely listen to a CD player. No accompanying books are needed to help you complete the lesson activities. Why can t learning be fun? It can! Linguaphone has chosen to present the allTalk series in an entertaining, soap-opera format. No dry old teacher with a monotone voice putting you to sleep, you follow the adventures of a visitor to a Spanish-speaking country as she interacts with individuals in a variety of interesting situations, learning the language and beginning to understand the culture. Actually learn the language Tired of spending money on language courses that don t work? Did you ever think the problem could be with the course and not you? With Linguaphone s unique learning sequence: Listen, Understand, Speak, you will find yourself actually using the language in no time at all! You are presented with a unit of the language, it is then broken down and explained to you, then you put it back together with greater understanding than just repeating what you may not have understood in the first place. . . . and learn it well! The all Talk methodology not only teaches well, but will have you speaking and understanding basic spoken Spanish in no time at all. Other popular all-audio courses require four times the cds, four times the money and four times the time to do what Linguaphone s allTalk Basic does with 4-one hour CDs.

Italian Verbs For Dummies (For Dummies (Language & Literature))

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Italian Verbs For Dummies (For Dummies (Language & Literature))
Teresa L. Picarazzi
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471773891

Book Description

A step-by-step guide to grasping the basics of Italian verbs

Over 66 million people around the world speak Italian, and Italian remains a popular choice for American students studying a foreign language. Italian Verbs For Dummies is ideal for those who have a basic knowledge of Italian but wish to improve their fluency by mastering the nuances of Italian verbs. This plain-English guide provides coverage of basic sentence structure, moods, tenses, and regular and irregular verbs, along with exercises to make conjugating Italian verbs a snap. It can also serve as a supplementary resource for students to use alongside classroom books.

Book Description

Hands-on exercises help you boost your verb proficiency

Get the hang of French verbs and get over verb hang-ups!

French verbs can drive anyone crazy who's trying to keep track of all the regular and irregular types. Fortunately, this book is here to help you make sense of confusing rules and drill you on the exceptions. Each chapter is packed with examples, exercises, and conjugation charts - just what you need to master even the toughest French verbs.

Discover how to

Review regular verbs in the present tense
Cope with common exceptions
Conjugate all simple tenses, from present indicative to past subjunctive
Tackle the trickiest irregular verbs
Conjugate compound tenses

Frases en Ingls Para Dummies (Para Dummies/for Dummies (Computer/Tech)(Spanish))

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Frases en Ingls Para Dummies (Para Dummies/for Dummies (Computer/Tech)(Spanish))
Gail Brenner
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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Binding: Paperback

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Ingles Para Dummies

ASIN: 047011519X

Book Description

Cientos de frases útiles al alcance de su mano

¡Hablé ingles de inmediato!

Si necesita hablar ingles como parte de su rutina diaria en el trabajo o en su casa, esta guía le dará las bases para entablar una conversación. Hable con sus compañeros de trabajo, maestros y amigos sin problemas con los consejos y frases útiles que encontrará en este libro.

Descubra como:

Decir los números, la fecha, la hora y hablar de dinero
Conversar sobre la familia y el trabajo
Pedir indicaciones, ir de compras y comer en restaurantes
Hablar de deportes y el clima
Manejar problemas y emergencias

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Vocabulary for Dummies (For Dummies)
Laurie E. Rozarkis
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N6XXB4

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