Advanced English Grammar: A Linguistic Approach - Tapa dura

'This book fills a long-standing gap, as it successfully combines the study of linguistics with language teaching: it offers an in-depth discussion of central areas of English grammar which are particularly relevant for the language learner, while at the same time providing a clear and up-to-date introduction to essential grammatical concepts and the logical system behind them. All of this is presented in a highly accessible and readable way together with plenty of practical exercises, which makes this book a perfect companion for advanced/upper-intermediate learners of English and students of English linguistics alike.'
Language and Language Teaching

'This book provides readers with practical knowledge of English grammar in which many linguistic insights are ingeniously incorporated.Written in a highly accessible and enlightening way with numerous illustrative examples and exercises, it will appeal to not only teachers and students of English as a second or foreign language, but also those interested in English grammar and usage from a contemporary linguistic perspective.'

'The book is a breath of fresh air. Unlike many grammars, this one has clearly been written by human beings for human beings. It is accessible, elegant and rigorous, and I will recommend it strongly to my students.'

Depraetere and Langford, with 40 years of teaching experience between them, present a grammar pitched precisely at advanced learners of English who need to understand how the English language really works without getting lost in the specifics. Most linguistically-oriented grammars of English can be intimidating and complex. On the other hand, the more basic practical grammars also available are often not advanced enough.

This book pulls from linguistic theory all the relevant notions that will enable the language student to fully grasp English grammar. After introducing form and function, the authors cover verbs, nouns, aspect and tense, modality and discourse. Readers are led through the underlying principles of language use, with the book presupposing only a basic grasp of linguistic terminology. It does not get bogged down in huge amounts of detail and focuses on the crucial issues. Full of exercises and with attention paid to moving the reader through their course, this is the desk reference grammar of choice for both native and non-native English speakers.