This book is designed to provide the essential elements of French grammar, for
students in the final year of school and in the first and later years of higher
education. Advanced learners will find much that is useful for extending their
knowledge of French, and for revision. The book is organized in two major
sections: a reference section containing the structures of grammar and a section
containing functional grammar. Each section includes cross-references to the
other.
The reference grammar, which is as comprehensive as possible, has been
structured around the noun phrase—dealing with all the elements related to the
noun: articles, pronouns, adjectives and numbers—and the verb phrase—dealing
with all the elements related to the verb: tenses, mood, participles and adverbs.
The functional grammar is composed of three parts, each demonstrating how
to do things with language in order to communicate. The three principal
functions identified are exposition, attitude and argumentation. Each of these is
divided into smaller function areas related to the principal function.
This new edition of the Modern French Grammar is an innovative reference guide to French, combining traditional and function-based grammar in a single volume. Divided into two parts, Part A covers traditional grammatical categories such as word order, nouns, verbs and adjectives and Part B is organized around language functions and notions such as:
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giving and seeking information
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describing processes and results
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expressing likes, dislikes and preferences.
With a strong emphasis on contemporary usage, all grammar points and functions are richly illustrated with examples. Implementing feedback from users of the first edition of the Grammar, this second edition includes clearer explanations and greater emphasis on areas of particular difficulty for learners of French.
This is the ideal reference grammar for learners of French at all levels, from beginner to advanced. No prior knowledge of grammatical terminology is assumed and a glossary of grammatical terms is provided. This Grammar is complemented by the Modern French Grammar Workbook Second Edition which features related exercises and activities.