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 textbook include:
- each grammar point explained initially with reference to English
- parallels between English and French provided where relevant
- ‘Key points’ boxes 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
- detailed coverage of punctuation, accents, spelling, and the specific sounds of French
An introductory chapter describes the lexical and grammatical differences between French and English and a glossary of grammatical terms in French and English, useful verb tables, and an exercise key are also provided, making this an ideal resource for both independent and class-based learners. This third edition offers additional activities throughout, describes the much-debated practice of inclusive language in French and includes a brief history of the influence of French words on English vocabulary.
Further grammar practice, in the form of quizzes, is to be found in the instructor and student resources for Essential French Grammar at www.routledge.com/cw/essential-grammars.
An innovative reference grammar and workbook for intermediate and advanced undergraduate students of French, Essential French Grammar is ideal for students at CEFR levels B1 to C1, or Intermediate High to Advanced on the ACTFL scale.
Introduction
Glossary of grammatical terms
1 THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES COMPARED
2 NOUNS
3 DETERMINERS
4 PRONOUNS
5 ADJECTIVES
6 NUMBERS
7 ADVERBS
8 NEGATION
9 VERBS 1
10 VERBS 2: TENSES OF THE INDICATIVE
11 VERBS 3: THE IMPERATIVE, THE INFINITIVE, PARTICIPLES
12 VERBS 4: THE SUBJUNCTIVE
13 PREPOSITIONS
14 CONJUNCTIONS
15 RELATIVE PRONOUNS
16 QUESTIONS AND EXCLAMATIONS
17 PUNCTUATION, ACCENTS, SPELLING AND SPECIFIC SOUNDS IN FRENCH
Appendix 1: a glossary of computing terminology
Appendix 2: inclusive writing
Verb tables
Answers to exercises
Biography
Casimir d’Angelo 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 Director of the Global Training Centre at the China UK Development Centre.
Mike Thacker was Director of the Language Centre at the University of Surrey from 1991 to 2005 and has taught at all degree levels.
"Essential French Grammar offers a number of useful features for language learners and instructors. I found the comparisons between French and English throughout the book to contain useful elements that can be used in translation or when introducing some key grammar points to English native speakers. The section on punctuation, accents, spelling, and the specific sounds of French covers the use of space before and after punctuation marks, which is rare to find in grammar books. Providing a variety of exercises for practice in each chapter and the corresponding answer key at the back of the book, makes it easy for learners and instructors to test comprehension throughout the course."
Dr Sandra Salin, Senior Lecturer in French, Newcastle University, UK.
"Essential French Grammar has a helpful layout and uses concise, clear explanations which do not assume prior knowledge of grammatical terminology. ‘Key points’ provide neat summaries and parallels between English and French are highlighted and contrasted. As a lecturer, the online material accompanying the book has also proven to be a useful resource when designing learning activities."
Emilia Wilton-Godberfforde, Lecturer and Head of French, The Open University, UK.
