Grammar workbooks

[MrsFogi]

Can anyone suggest any workbooks that I can work though to improve (or dare I say it, begin to learn) grammar and generally avoid the wrath of pedants in this corner. Having posted earlier this evening on this topic and then surfed on it for a while it all seems fascinating.

MrsFogi - I'm more interested in language and language changes rather than strict didactic grammar, so I don't have a workbook suggestion for you. In any case, I never really learnt formal grammar at school, but picked up some basics when studying modern languages.

I would, however, recommend David Crystal's books about language. Words Words Words is a good introduction, and is an accessible and interesting read.

When training as an English teacher I found 'About Language' by Scott Thornbury really thorough. It starts from the beginning (what is a noun/ adverb etc?) and builds slowly allowing you to learn at your own speed.

It has a lot of exercises that require you to really think about why we say what we do (and put words in a particular order) that are interesting if you're serious about learning about English.

I always lend my copy to new teachers or trainees.

Another one I recommend isn't a workbook but a reference one; 'Practical English Usage' by Michael Swan.

Good luck!