The Grammar Detective: Solving the Mysteries of Basic Grammar

(Paperback)

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Description

The sometimes confusing and less than interesting rules of grammar can be quite daunting or mind numbing. Where does one begin... Most people, it seems, would like to have some knowledge of the rudimentary elements of grammar but are unsure of how to begin and would agree that grammar is a mystery.

The Grammar Detective invites readers to come to grips with English grammar by solving a series of short murder mysteries, each of them illustrated. These are followed by further exercises-word searches, crosswords and puzzles-to help introduce and reinforce grammatical skills and knowledge. The book introduces aspects of grammar such as nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, clauses and phrases,
and includes a variety of test exercises. It also demystifies punctuation, and explains periods, colons, semi-colons and speech marks.

This fun and engaging book is an ideal introduction to English grammar for students, or a handy refresher course for those whose knowledge of grammar and punctuation
is a little rusty.

Reviews

"If you have always been nervous about such things as subordinate clauses, patriciple phrases or non-restrictive appositives, worry no longer. These, and the other mysteries of English grammar, will fall into place as you work your way through The Grammar Detective and enjoy yourself at the same time." -Writing Magaziine, August 2008
"The book is aimed at 'students and those whose knowledge of grammar is a little rusty', so it would be useful for university students developing their writing skills" "It would function well as a grammar reference and a source ofexercises..." Max McMurdo, Writing in Education, Summer 2008
'Grammar is fun with The Grammar Detective! You getmystery stories to solve byfinding the answers togrammar questions,so you play with words as you learn the intricacies of English grammar. Learning grammar becomes a game rather than a hard slog." - Writer's Bookshelf, Writing Magazine, October 2008
"The English language is a complex and complicated thing, almost like a mystery. The Grammar Detective: Solving the Mysteries of Basic Grammar is a way to teach students their grammar skills in a unique and creative way that will be sure to get them excited over learning and make them better writers in the future. Also viable for those who just need a reminder, The Grammar Detective is highly recommended to any educator who wants a little spin on the lesson plan." - Midwest Book Review; Internet Bookwatch, October 2008
"This light-hearted approach, identifiying the reader as a detective, is highly imaginative and user friendly... what impressed me was the wealth of examples... This book is fun, entertaining and demystifies the complexities of grammar" Speaking English, Autumn 2008
"The Grammar Detective: Solving the Mysteries of Basic Grammar offers up a series of short illustrated murder mysteries and exercises based on puzzles, from word searches to crosswords - to introduce and reinforce grammatical skills. From nouns to clauses and phrases, this covers punctuation and grammar and provides a fine method of either introducing English grammar or offering an easy refresher course for adults." -Midwest Book Review, (Library Bookwatch), December 2008

Author Bio

Gillian Mary Hanson taught English composition and literature at the University of Houston-Downtown for twenty-two years. She is the editor of the University Guide to College Writing.