Plot Summary
A user-friendly guide to grammar and usage with a focus on common errors and how to correct them. A banner at the bottom of each page presents an issue along with a page number for further examination. Cartoons introduce a section, drive home a point, or simply make the reader giggle.
Personal Reaction
This approach to grammar is fun and entertaining. I wish I had had this book when I was in middle school, high school, and even college. This book is not a workbook, but a grammar reference book with short explanations and many examples and is a compact size, perfect for carrying to class or the library or anywhere.
Memorable Literary Element
The language is light-hearted, clear and uncomplicated. The examples are presented with graphic symbols: thumbs up for the right way, thumbs down for the incorrect way, and a question mark for why.
Illustrations
There are no illustrations; however, the book is chock full of syndicated cartoons whose focus is some aspect of grammar.
A user-friendly guide to grammar and usage with a focus on common errors and how to correct them. A banner at the bottom of each page presents an issue along with a page number for further examination. Cartoons introduce a section, drive home a point, or simply make the reader giggle.
Personal Reaction
This approach to grammar is fun and entertaining. I wish I had had this book when I was in middle school, high school, and even college. This book is not a workbook, but a grammar reference book with short explanations and many examples and is a compact size, perfect for carrying to class or the library or anywhere.
Memorable Literary Element
The language is light-hearted, clear and uncomplicated. The examples are presented with graphic symbols: thumbs up for the right way, thumbs down for the incorrect way, and a question mark for why.
Illustrations
There are no illustrations; however, the book is chock full of syndicated cartoons whose focus is some aspect of grammar.
Reviews/Awards
Library Journal - Fine and Josephson teach "Nitty-Gritty" Grammar for the San Diego State University extension program and have written many books, including FileADon't Pile! (St. Martin's, 1994). Their new book is a clever and fun way to review or learn the rules of grammar. Included are all of the hokey rhymes and sayings learned in grammar school, e.g., "Use i before e except after c, or when sounded like a as in neighbor or weigh." Each page has an example sentence illustrating a common mistake and a reference to the rule that explains it, and jokes and comics are used throughout to keep things light. Now there's finally hope that some readers may learn how to diagram a sentence. This is a useful book at a good price and fun besides. Recommended for all public libraries.ALisa J. Cihlar, Monroe P.L., WI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Grammar, like love, is a perpetual mystery, and books on how to do either better are eternal. In NITTY-GRITTY GRAMMAR, Edith H. Fine and Judith P. Josephson attack the homonyms and dangling modifiers that? which? frequently plague even native speakers, and even delve into the fine points of diagramming. -Publishers Weekly
Library Journal - Fine and Josephson teach "Nitty-Gritty" Grammar for the San Diego State University extension program and have written many books, including FileADon't Pile! (St. Martin's, 1994). Their new book is a clever and fun way to review or learn the rules of grammar. Included are all of the hokey rhymes and sayings learned in grammar school, e.g., "Use i before e except after c, or when sounded like a as in neighbor or weigh." Each page has an example sentence illustrating a common mistake and a reference to the rule that explains it, and jokes and comics are used throughout to keep things light. Now there's finally hope that some readers may learn how to diagram a sentence. This is a useful book at a good price and fun besides. Recommended for all public libraries.ALisa J. Cihlar, Monroe P.L., WI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Grammar, like love, is a perpetual mystery, and books on how to do either better are eternal. In NITTY-GRITTY GRAMMAR, Edith H. Fine and Judith P. Josephson attack the homonyms and dangling modifiers that? which? frequently plague even native speakers, and even delve into the fine points of diagramming. -Publishers Weekly
Promotion Idea
Show students the School House Rock Videos that were popular in the 1970s. Have students work in groups to make music videos that focus on a specific area of grammar that is covered in the book. Students may use the style of their choosing, e.g., rap, jazz, pop, rock, country, classical, or even opera. The song must include the following: definition (function, what does it do), lots of examples (in action), theme that is common to lyrics, music, and actions (video), humor (silliness),
Show students the School House Rock Videos that were popular in the 1970s. Have students work in groups to make music videos that focus on a specific area of grammar that is covered in the book. Students may use the style of their choosing, e.g., rap, jazz, pop, rock, country, classical, or even opera. The song must include the following: definition (function, what does it do), lots of examples (in action), theme that is common to lyrics, music, and actions (video), humor (silliness),
GRAMMAR ROCK
MORE SONGS ABOUT GRAMMAR
Visit Judith Josephson's official website for a host of ideas activities to incorporate into lessons involving grammar. Click here.