Master the mechanics of English with a classic reference
This authoritative guide explains how English words work together, from nouns and pronouns to articles, prepositions, and verbs, with clear rules and examples.
This edition covers the structure and use of key word classes in present-day English, including how form and function interact in sentences. It blends practical explanations with historical and descriptive notes, helping readers understand both everyday usage and more traditional or literary forms.
- How nouns and pronouns form plurals and genitives, including common patterns and exceptions.
- The roles and uses of the definite and indefinite articles, and how they shape meaning.
- Ways prepositions, conjunctions, and word groups influence sentence structure and meaning.
- Guidance on archaic and literary forms, and how they relate to modern English usage.
Ideal for students of English linguistics, teachers, editors, and writers who seek precise, well‑documented guidance on English grammar and its historical development.