Essential French Grammar is a student-friendly French grammar designed to give learners a firm foundation on which to build a real understanding of both spoken and written French. Clear explanations of grammar are supported by contemporary examples, lively cartoon drawings and a variety of exercises.
Key features of the second edition include:
each grammar point explained initially with reference to English
parallels between English and French provided where relevant
'Key points' box and tables that summarize grammar concepts
real-life language examples in French, with English translations
a variety of exercises to reinforce learning
a contemporary primary source or literary extract to illustrate grammar in context
more detailed coverage of punctuation, accents, spelling and the specific sounds of French
This second edition includes an introductory chapter that describes the lexical and grammatical differences between French and English. A glossary of grammatical terms in French and English, useful verb tables, and a key to the exercises are also provided, making this an ideal resource for both independent and class-based learners.
Essential French Grammar is an innovative reference grammar and workbook for intermediate and advanced undergraduate students of French. This text is ideal for students at CEFR levels B1 to C1, or Intermediate High to Advanced on the ACTFL scale.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Glossary of grammatical terms
The French and English languages compared
Nouns
Determiners
Pronouns
Adjectives
Numbers
Adverbs
Negation
Verbs 1
Verbs 2: Tenses of the indicative
Verbs 3: The imperative, the infinitive, participles
Verbs 4: The subjunctive
Prepositions
Conjunctions
Relative pronouns
Questions and exclamations
Punctuation, accents, spelling and specific sounds in French
Appendix: a glossary of computing terminology
Verb tables
Answers to exercises
Index
Mike Thacker was Director of the Language Centre at the University of Surrey from 1991 to 2005 and has taught at all degree levels.
Casimir dAngelo was Director of the Language Unit at the University of Cambridge from 1998 to 2014, and has taught at all degree levels. He is presently the Director of Global Training Centre at the China UK Development Centre.
