Book excerpt: "Grammar" can often be seen as a dull and complicated art, with all sorts of dusty and quirky rules that are hard to understand and even harder to explain. This Descriptive Grammar of English - by example - shakes off the dust to present the essential principles of modern English grammar as clearly as possible, showing the simple rules that determine the standard practices of modern English, both in writing and in speech, and illustrating their use through hundreds of simple examples and familiar expressions. Most native speakers generally follow the essential rules of English grammar as if by intuition; in many cases they will be quite unaware of what the rules are... even that they exist. But rules or principles or guidelines do exist, and without them it would be very difficult to communicate properly and coherently. Grammar is the highway code of any language, and people need either to learn it, or to absorb it subconsciously, in order to speak or write proficiently. Children master the rudiments of grammar in their native language by hearing, remembering, repeating and experimenting; and up to a point this is sufficient for everyday communication. However beyond a certain level, and more importantly when learning a second or foreign language, some awareness of the rules and principles of grammar becomes useful, and in many situations, vital. Some understanding of grammar is indeed essential for anyone wanting to teach English whether it be to native speakers or as a foreign language. By highlighting (literally) hundreds of short sentences and expressions, this Descriptive Grammar of English clearly illustrates and succinctly explains the rules that govern acceptable usage of the English language today. Where necessary, it uses colour coding to show up pertinent points and to contrast different structures or functions. This is not a grammar book for grammarians; it's a grammar book for anyone, and no prior knowledge of linguistics is required. As befits any discussion of grammar, it uses the expressions or jargon that are required to explain grammar, but also explains them by including a glossary of grammatical terms which will be of value to most readers. Originally conceived for the benefit of non-native speakers of English, particularly advanced EFL and ESL students and teachers of English as a foreign or second language, it is also very much suited for school and home use in English-speaking countries. In short it is for anyone who is looking for clear and example-based explanations of how English works and is written and spoken. It covers all the main points of English grammar in a way that is understandable to any student. As well as explaining the essential aspects of English grammar, such as verbs and nouns and adjectives, it includes succinct and clearly illustrated sections on such important points as style word order and punctuation. It distinguishes where appropriate between the usages of written and spoken English, and between British English and American English. All the points covered in this grammar are copiously illustrated with examples from everyday English, including memorable and familiar expressions that are hard to forget. Children are not the only ones who learn their grammar by example.