English handbook

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familygirl
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2009 8:14 am

English handbook

Post by familygirl » Tue Apr 28, 2009 11:06 am

Hello...
I'm trying to find a simple reference book on the english language. Something with the rules for spelling and writing would be nice. I don't want to 'read' the book, I would just like to use it as a reference when I'm not sure where to put the coma or when to use I and me...bad example...I can't think of a good one at the moment ;) I am weak in the grammer department and I want my children to do better. I want them to learn to speak and write correctly but I don't feel confidant in some areas.
There are tons of books available but I just wondered if any of you have a favorite.
Thanks in advance :-)

my3sons
Posts: 10702
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2007 7:08 pm
Location: South Dakota

Re: English handbook

Post by my3sons » Tue Apr 28, 2009 7:28 pm

I don't have a book in mind for this, but I'm sure someone else will. I just wanted to reassure you that R & S English really does lay out the rules for grammar in such a way that it is easier to understand. The teacher's manual is very helpful too, and the way it builds each year makes it easier to remember. I've honestly pulled that out as a resource if I am not sure about something grammatically, and check the table of contents to flip to the page for help. One of the upper levels of R & S would have it ALL! However, I realize this may not exactly be what you are looking for, so someone else may have another idea that would fit better. :wink:

In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie

Carrie
Site Admin
Posts: 8125
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:39 pm

Re: English handbook

Post by Carrie » Wed Apr 29, 2009 1:59 pm

familygirl,

I agree that Rod and Staff English does an excellent job of laying out the rules and the reasons for using them. It gives wonderful examples and slowly, steadily builds kiddos application of those rules/skills. :wink:

Rod and Staff also has a grammar handbook that is very well done. :D Otherwise any handbook by Strunk and White is good too.

Blessings,
Carrie

Daisy
Posts: 372
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2009 7:47 pm
Location: SoCal

Re: English handbook

Post by Daisy » Wed Apr 29, 2009 5:23 pm

We love R&S's English Handbook!! It is well used and loved in our family.
Wife of 18 years to Jon.
DragonFly (12yo)
Buttercup (14yo)

familygirl
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2009 8:14 am

Re: English handbook

Post by familygirl » Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:44 pm

I didn't realize R&S had a handbook. I use CLE and I saw their handbook and thought I'd try to find one on Paperbackswap, but they didn't have one so that's why I decided to ask around about others. Someone recommended Harbrace's Handbook and I was able to find it on paperback swap. I assume one is as good as another (same rules) I just wanted to be sure I didn't have to 'read' the book, I just want a quick reference guide. I'll see if I like it when I get it, if not I'll check out R&S. Thanks for all the input :)

ccmom
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:58 pm

Re: English handbook

Post by ccmom » Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:39 pm

Our Mother Tongue is an excellent grammar resource.

http://www.amazon.com/Our-Mother-Tongue ... 1591280117

Here's link to it at Amazon - you can look inside at the table of contents and some of the chapters. It covers all the parts of speech and gives lots of examples. It also has a punctuation appendix at the end :)

HTH
Dawn

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