Nitty-Gritty Grammar : A Not-So-Serious Guide to Clear Communication

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This is a good, solid guide to basic grammar by two women who claim to be "nutty enough to have liked diagramming in school." Their book is clear. It is not boring. It even compares punctuation marks to traffic signals (a period is a stop sign, a comma a flashing yellow light). But its crowning glory is the nearly 30 cartoons--from Sally Forth, Beetle Bailey, The Far Side, and others--on the subject of grammar that are sure to delight anyone who is nutty enough to have liked diagramming in school. In our favorite, Hobbes tries to persuade Calvin that a pronoun is "a noun that lost its amateur status." Calvin, after pondering for a moment, writes it down. "Maybe I can get a point for originality," he says. --Jane Steinberg


From Library Journal
Fine and Josephson teach "Nitty-Gritty" Grammar for the San Diego State University extension program and have written many books, including FileADon't Pile! (St. Martin's, 1994). Their new book is a clever and fun way to review or learn the rules of grammar. Included are all of the hokey rhymes and sayings learned in grammar school, e.g., "Use i before e except after c, or when sounded like a as in neighbor or weigh." Each page has an example sentence illustrating a common mistake and a reference to the rule that explains it, and jokes and comics are used throughout to keep things light. Now there's finally hope that some readers may learn how to diagram a sentence. This is a useful book at a good price and fun besides. Recommended for all public libraries.ALisa J. Cihlar, Monroe P.L., WICopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


The Writer, August 1999.
"Have you misplaced your modifier? I Do you know what a modifier is? With funny cartoons and a focus on common errors and how to correct them, this energetic handbook is an indispensable tool for businesses, universities, and anyone desiring an easy-to-use grammar guide. Good for refreshing, reviewing, or polishing one's skills. English can actually be fun! WINNER: San Diego Book Awards, "Nonfiction," May 1999.


About the Author
Edith H. Fine and Judith P. Josephson have written numerous books and teach "Nitty-Gritty Grammar," a fun-filled grammar seminar, as part of the San Diego State University Extension program.


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Fine and Josephson teach "Nitty-Gritty" Grammar for the San Diego State University extension program and have written many books, including File....Don't Pile! (St. Martin's, 1994). Their new book is a clever and fun way to review or learn the rules of grammar. Included are all of the hokey rhymes and sayings learned in grammar school, e.g., "Use i before e except after c, or when sounded like a as in neighbor or weigh." Each page has an example sentence illustrating a common mistake and a reference to the rule that explains it, and jokes and comics are used throughout to keep things light. Now there's finally hope that some readers may learn how to diagram a sentence. This is a useful book at a good price and fun besides. Recommended for all public libraries.


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