English Grammar Boot Camp

By: Anne Curzan, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Anne Curzan

Grammar! For many of us, the word triggers memories of finger-wagging schoolteachers, and of wrestling with the ambiguous and complicated rules of using formal language. But what is grammar? In fact, it's the integral basis of how we speak and write.

As such, a refined awareness of grammar opens a world of possibilities for both your pleasure in the English language and your skill in using it, in both speech and the written word. As a foundation for writing, a detailed grounding in grammar and usage will hugely expand your resources for meaningful verbal expression, for navigating the subtleties of the language, and for achieving clarity of communication and stylistic power.

In English Grammar Boot Camp, linguist and popular Great Courses instructor Professor Curzan takes you on an enjoyable exploration of the essential aspects of English grammar. These 24 spirited and accessible lectures offer you a comprehensive core training - a linguistic "boot camp," by which we mean a thorough immersion in all of the key elements of English grammar and usage, in their most immediate, practical application.

Here you get a breadth of perspective and context you won't find elsewhere, leaving you with a more choices and rich verbal resources for your own use of the language. In discussing the different parts of speech, Professor Curzan directs your attention to how the element at hand evolved. Highlighting reflections from 18th- and 19th-century usage guides as well as from multiple modern commentators, she guides you in examining real-world language use in a variety of contexts, helping you develop a sophisticated frame of reference and a deep awareness of the idiosyncrasies of English.

This delightful and superbly insightful course offers you a unique opportunity to explore the linguistic riches of the English language, and to significantly deepen your mastery of grammar, usage, and style.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

not a bootcamp more like assorted dissertations

Hard to follow if you don't know all the terms. She explains some, but if you aren't paying razor sharp attention and taking notes it's hard to follow. And it's no kind of boot camp it's more like assorted English professor rambles. Some of it's pretty amusing but I am giving up on this. Personally I'd like something a little more patient and explainative really. Or more like a drill sergeant at boot camp. This is more like a starry eyed gym teacher marveling at the aspects and usage of exercise than a boot camp.

Lots of fun stuff about English

This is one of two courses by Professor Anne Curzan in The Great Courses series dedicated to better understanding of the English language.

Many interesting facts and theories on the evolution of what we now call modern English. Professor Curzan is an exceptional teacher.

Of the two courses, I suggest starting with this one.

a pleasurable listen

It was an interesting introduction to the formal study of grammar as well as solid review of the basics.

a must listen to book for how grammar evolves

I finished the book without taking any break. It makes me look at grammar as something fluid rather than a dogma.

English as a second language

As an English learner I am constantly doubting my knowledge of the language. This book made me realize I know more than I though I knew! And that even native speakers are often bewildered by the nuances and variations of what is accepted as correct in the English language, just as I am as a non-native speaker. The English language is complex and ever evolving, and I love it!

I just hope the author will some day write a guide specific for English as a second language learners. She is a terrific professor and what a privilege it was to “take” her class!