valikor Posted April 27, 2010 at 02:28 PM Report Share Posted April 27, 2010 at 02:28 PM Since I sometimes am asked to explain English grammar, I am currently looking for a book I could read (I'm a native English speaker) to help me learn or re-learn the proper grammatical vocabulary and many of the rules that native speakers implement subconsciously.. For example, today a friend said "I want to talk something about " When I corrected her grammar, she was confused and asked if she can say "I want to tell you something about ". I said that was okay. I then guessed that it is due to "tell" being used as a transitive verb, and "talk" being used as an intransitive verb. Merriam Webster states that both words can be used as transitive and intransitive verbs. I don't know if what I said is correct. Even if it was correct, it was not very helpful because I am unable to articulate the necessary rules, etc, to a non-native speaker. Does anyone know of any good resources? I'm not especially interested in a huge textbook, especially not with lots of exercises that I don't need. Thanks! David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandeX Posted April 28, 2010 at 03:12 PM Report Share Posted April 28, 2010 at 03:12 PM You could review this site: http://www.fortunecity.com/bally/durrus/153/gramtoc.html There is also a specific section on transitive and intransitive verbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roddy Posted April 28, 2010 at 03:43 PM Report Share Posted April 28, 2010 at 03:43 PM This might suit, as it's aimed at teachers and advanced learners. Cobuild stuff is usually very good (he half-remembered from his teaching days . . . ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrix Posted April 28, 2010 at 04:47 PM Report Share Posted April 28, 2010 at 04:47 PM There is a lot of books out there, starting with Quirk et al., a 1000 page grammar with a shorter student grammar version. But whatever you get, stay away from Strunk and White Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perspectives Posted May 6, 2010 at 02:11 AM Report Share Posted May 6, 2010 at 02:11 AM I recommend An A - Z of English Grammar & Usage. Explanations in the book are clear, simple and sometimes with pictures or charts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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