Cambridge Dictionary of English Grammar

The most up-to-date A-Z resource available for English grammar, this dictionary provides concise, practical definitions and explanations of hundreds of terms. Each term includes examples and cross references to related concepts. All the currently accepted terms of grammar are included, as well as older, traditional names, controversial new coinages, and items from the study of other languages. The dictionary pinpoints differences in the use of the same terminology, such as 'adjunct', 'complement', 'verb phrase', as well as alternative terms used for much the same concept, such as 'noun phrase', 'nominal group'; 'agentless passive', 'short passive'. It provides a wealth of examples, as well as notes on the relative frequencies of grammatical alternatives, such as 'will' and 'shall'. It also draws attention to some of the differences between spoken and written English grammar.

'Grammarians love to invent new terms for their categories and, with the advent within two decades of four comprehensive English grammars embracing different approaches, there is a need for a book like this. Professor Peters has made a splendid job of it. What she has achieved is not only a clear exposition of divergent nomenclature but also an impressive independent overview of English grammar with additional information based on her own research in areas like word formation, orthography and relative frequencies of grammatical alternatives. Unreservedly recommended.' Jan Svartvik, Emeritus Professor, Lund University, 'This is a book we have long needed. With its comprehensive, authoritative, yet highly accessible treatment of traditional and modern conceptualizations of English grammar, it will be an indispensable reference.' Jean Mulder, University of Melbourne, '… Pam Peters has produced an important resource for everyone interested in English grammar, be they professional grammarians or merely interested in English grammar and how it is described.' Peter H. Fries, Professor Emeritus of English and Linguistics, Central Michigan University, '… this is a very good volume, whose author should be applauded. It is comprehensive, modern, easy to use, and accurate. I would certainly recommend it as a key reference work to any library.' Simone Curzio Bacchini, Reference Reviews

Pam Peters is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie University, Sydney.