Review My grammar and I (or should that be ‘me’?) (book review)

What is the correct linguistic use of English and how does it affect both native speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language? My Grammar and I covers common problems met by users and how to deal with them, providing a useful resource for language teachers and language learners alike. The book covers five areas where errors due to misunderstandings occur plus an introduction featuring a brief history of English grammar. Apart from the history of English grammar the key topics are, spelling and confusables, parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation and a final section on elements of style. The book also contains examples of confusion, often highly amusing, and includes a regular Swot’s Corner providing more information about the history of grammar and other topics and Smart Alec, offering advice as to usage. This is an excellent resource for teachers of English and advanced students, presented clearly and with humour. According the authors, the use of grammar as a system of teaching language has varied over generations but the influence of an Oxford professor, Robert Lowth, author of A Short Introduction to English Grammar, is still influential. According to Swot’s Corner, when grammar was a required subject in US schools in the 19th century, teachers complained they were as ignorant of grammar as their students. However, as the authors point out, the user’s correct or incorrect use of grammar can influence how others perceive them especially in a professional role, such as seeking a job.