A Short Course in Grammar: A Course in Grammar of Standard Written English

by Paul J. Hopper

Book Overview

Recognizing that the goal of the grammar course is to improve students' grasp of American English grammar, and not to make students into linguists, Paul Hopper has written a streamlined, concise textbook. He avoids getting caught up in details that are interesting to linguists but confusing to students, keeping his steady focus on presenting material as briefly and as clearly as possible.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393973816
• ISBN13: 9780393973815
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Interesting and factual

In this book, Paul Hopper explains the English grammar in a clear-cut way. His example sentences are entertaining. The best part is, he is from my university!

Best Grammar Book Out There

This is the only grammar book you'll ever need. With it, you learn about different sentences and their structures, as well as methods of diagramming sentences that highlight the form and function of each word. This gives you the tools that you'll need to edit professional papers, because sometimes you just need the right words to explain the changes that you've made. Of course, I took an actual grammar course with the man who wrote this, so maybe I'm biased?

The only college textbook that I wish I still had

This is more than a reference book. It's a necessity. This is the only college textbook that I wish I still had. Sadly, as a poor college student, I stupidly sold it back to the bookstore at the end of the year. I have been fumbling around with other unwieldly grammar reference books for half a dozen years and am fed up. I am buying the book again. How many college textbooks would you rebuy?

Wonderful book!

I bought this book for a grammar course taught by its author. The book is marvelous: comprehensive, informative, and fun. I still use it when grammar questions arise in my life, and it remains one of my favorite grad-school relics.

An invaluable resource for writers and editors.

As a former student, I used the first draft of Dr. Hopper's book in his Grammar course. I learned more about grammar in 15 weeks than I had in all my previous courses combined. As a technical writer and editor, I have collected several grammar books, but none is as comprehensive, comprehensible, or enjoyable to read as Dr. Hopper's.