English Grammar for Students of Latin: The Study Guide for Those Learning Latin

by Norma Goldman and Ladislas Szymanski

Book Overview

A self-study handbook for English speakers learning Latin introducing them to English grammar and pointing out the similiarities and differences with Latin grammar. An elementary comparative grammar which complements any textbook and any method.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0934034192
• ISBN13: 9780934034197
• Release Date: January 1983
• Publisher: Olivia & Hill Press
• Length: 178 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A little too basic for second year students

This book goes through all the parts of speach that you learn in your first year of Latin. I must say it was invaluable for learning all the verb tenses and brushing up on some shaky english grammar (ahem cough). I was disappointed, however, at its simplicity; it is by no means exhaustive.e.g.The book mentions only four types of ablatives (absolute, agent, means, and preposition) and gives translation examples that will not work every time.I was equally disappointed with the sections on the subjunctive mood. As I translate Livi for the first time, I realize that he loves using the subjunctive in complex ways (ack!). Concerning the shortcomings this book has in reference to the subjunctive, I will give a direct quote from page 93, "However, there are many other independent and dependent uses of the subjunctive in Latin, and we refer you to the explanations and examples in your Latin textbook." So what do you do when your textbook is written entirely in Latin?I highly recomend this book for someone who is just starting off in Latin. After your first semester, it will start seeing less and less use. The cover is laminated and will easily withstand coffee if it is used as a coaster.

An Educational Asset

This is a perfect resource for a student who wishes to improve their command of the English and Latin languages. The author uses many examples to demonstrate grammatical principles--all of which are presented in Latin and English. Furthermore, the topic matter is very comprehensive; to my knowledge there is not one grammar subject missing. Although ENGLISH GRAMMAR FOR STUDENTS OF LATIN is very resourceful, I advice that students seeking information about either begining Latin grammar or introductory English grammar find another book. This work operates under the premise that the reader has some background in both Latin and English grammar. I readily recommend ENGLISH GRAMMAR FOR STUDENTS OF LATIN. It certainly belongs in every Latin and English classroom!

Invaluable both for Latin and English

This is one of those indispensible tools for introductory Latin work, or if you are trying to refresh and touch up your Latin skills then this is a must have. It starts out with basic and simple English grammer then walks you into the Latin. The authors do an excellent job of explaining the Latin defintion and sentence structure of Latin grammer. The book is very user friendly and is well written and organized so that one does not need to know Latin before purchasing this book. I highly recommend this book for any Latin student or those interested in becoming one.

Better English grammar than most English grammars!

This English Grammar for students of foreign languages series is the best thing I've found for explaining grammar concepts and terms. It's concise, it's understandable, using a few clear examples and not making things too complex to stick. I use this title (Latin) to tutor kids who aren't even taking Latin but are having trouble really grasping what the English terms are and how the rules and structure of grammar underlie what we are all simply accustomed to reading and to saying. I personally recommend this book as an adjunct to any Latin course. Even those of us at the top of our honors English classes and the tippy-top of standard college entrance exams can benefit from this succinct reminder and handy reference when diving into the complexities of another language. It clarifies our grasp on our own grammar, in a succinct and well-indexed manner, and provides a handy explanation of basic analogous constructions. Such an understanding is GREAT to have before launching into Woodcock's or Bennett's references for syntax and grammar in Latin. For less serious students, like high-schoolers (in their view) simply serving their sentence in language class, it helps them to understand what the Latin book means by "Subjunctive" and "relative" versus "demonstrative" pronoun.