A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language by Randolph Quirk

A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language

Authors: Randolph Quirk, Sidney Greenbaum, Geoffrey Leech, Jan Svartvik
Published: 1985
This book is a monumental reference in the field of English grammar, often considered a cornerstone of modern linguistic analysis. It provides a detailed and systematic exploration of English grammar, catering to linguists, educators, and advanced students. The authors adopt a descriptive approach, illustrating grammar usage across a variety of contexts, registers, and dialects. With examples from British and American English, it serves as a global resource for understanding the intricacies of the language.

Key Features

1. Descriptive Analysis:

   • Focuses on describing how English is used rather than prescribing rules.
   • Covers a wide variety of spoken and written forms of English.

2. Comprehensive Content:

   • Divided into detailed sections covering syntax, morphology, phonology, and semantics.
   • Includes analysis of complex sentence structures, modal verbs, noun phrases, and more.

3. Corpus-Based Examples:

   • Features authentic examples from both British and American English for practical application.

4. Register Variation:

   • Discusses differences in grammar across registers (spoken vs. written, formal vs. informal).

5. Historical Context:

   • Provides insights into the historical development of certain grammatical structures.

6. Theoretical Insights:

   • Offers a blend of traditional and modern linguistic theories, making it accessible to both scholars and students.

7. Extensive Indexes and References:

   • Includes detailed subject and word indexes for quick reference.

8. Cross-Dialect Analysis:

   • Highlights differences between British and American English usage.

9. Application for Educators:

   • Serves as a resource for teaching advanced English grammar and linguistics.

10. Foundation for Further Research:

    • Frequently cited in academic research, this book is a vital resource for linguists.

Conclusion

"A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language" is an invaluable resource for those seeking an in-depth understanding of English grammar. Its exhaustive approach makes it a go-to reference for academics and professionals in the field of English language studies. While it may be too dense for casual learners, it is unparalleled in scope and depth for advanced users.
                                                          ════ ⋆★⋆ ═══

Writer                 ✤     Randolph Quirk (Author), Sidney Greenbaum (Author),
                                     Geoffrey Leech (Author), Jan Svartvik (Author)