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Grammar book for French, Italian, Spanish

  Tags: Italian | Book | Grammar | French | Spanish
 Language Learning Forum : Language Programs, Books & Tapes Post Reply
Enrico
Diglot
Senior Member
Russian Federation
Joined 3749 days ago

162 posts - 207 votes 
Speaks: Russian*, English
Studies: Italian, Spanish, French

 
 Message 1 of 6
03 September 2014 at 6:26pm | IP Logged 
Hello all,

Can you suggest a good grammar books to supplement Assimil course for French, Italian and Spanish?

Thank you.
1 person has voted this message useful



Speakeasy
Senior Member
Canada
Joined 4056 days ago

507 posts - 1098 votes 
Studies: German

 
 Message 2 of 6
03 September 2014 at 9:18pm | IP Logged 
Hello Enrico,

I suspect that you have encountered one of the very few weaknesses of the Assimil method; that is, the rather poor explanation of grammar. For me, even the reviews every seventh lesson are rather cursory.

My experience with grammars is that, most of them explain the rules in a very straight-forward, structured, logical manner. However, in many cases, the examples that the authors choose to illustrate the specific rules often require vocabulary at the Intermediate level. Furthermore, many grammars present subtleties of use that are lost on the Beginner. The combined effect can leave the Beginner not particularly enlightened and even somewhat discouraged. Alternatively, it can cause him to consecrate valuable study-time in an area where little gains can be achieved. So, for beginners, I would recommend any of the three very simple, basic, admittedly-limited, grammars below. The last one contains exercises.

Essential Grammar Guides by Dover

Verbs & Essentials of Grammar by McGraw-Hill

Grammar Made Easy

The above guides are very simple, basic and limited. They are available for several languages. My approach would be to read through them quickly, without pausing on the details, simply to develop an overview of the basic structure of a given language. Initially, I would not spend much time on the various verb tenses, as most courses, including Assimil, introduce this aspect progressively. Then, I would consult them in greater depth as I encountered grammatical issues.

Ultimately, you are bound to come across grammatical issues that either are not covered at all in the above guides or that require a more in-depth explanation. At this point, you are once again faced with the choice of “which” of the myriad grammars to acquire. Given the possibilities, I will mention only one. Bear in mind that it, too, suffers from the “too much information at this time” syndrome.

Schaum's Outline Series

I hope that this helps. Bonne chance!

Edited by Speakeasy on 03 September 2014 at 9:20pm

2 persons have voted this message useful



Enrico
Diglot
Senior Member
Russian Federation
Joined 3749 days ago

162 posts - 207 votes 
Speaks: Russian*, English
Studies: Italian, Spanish, French

 
 Message 3 of 6
03 September 2014 at 10:08pm | IP Logged 
Merci beaucoup Speakeasy

I will check them out.
I have read something about language learning from McGraw-Hill it was good.

Edited by Enrico on 03 September 2014 at 10:11pm

1 person has voted this message useful



Enrico
Diglot
Senior Member
Russian Federation
Joined 3749 days ago

162 posts - 207 votes 
Speaks: Russian*, English
Studies: Italian, Spanish, French

 
 Message 4 of 6
03 September 2014 at 10:27pm | IP Logged 
Exploring your suggestions I also found the Collins Easy Learning Grammar series, they have grammar books for
French, Italian, Spanish and German.

Have anybody tried them?

Edited by Enrico on 03 September 2014 at 10:34pm

1 person has voted this message useful



Speakeasy
Senior Member
Canada
Joined 4056 days ago

507 posts - 1098 votes 
Studies: German

 
 Message 5 of 6
04 September 2014 at 12:30am | IP Logged 
Hi Enrico,

Hmm, I wasn't aware of this series. While I haven't used the Collins Easy Grammar series myself, the view on Amazon inspires confidence. I wouldn't hesitate using this book, particularly at the early stages of my studies.
2 persons have voted this message useful



Enrico
Diglot
Senior Member
Russian Federation
Joined 3749 days ago

162 posts - 207 votes 
Speaks: Russian*, English
Studies: Italian, Spanish, French

 
 Message 6 of 6
04 September 2014 at 4:48am | IP Logged 
Hi Andrée

I've got one for Italian to try, looks not bad, clear and not boring.

Thank you.

Edited by Enrico on 04 September 2014 at 4:54am



1 person has voted this message useful



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