Very detailed, but not for most beginners
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This is, undoubtedly, -the- grammar reference for those learning Spanish. It has a high level of detail that will appeal to those with a working knowledge of the language, but may be intimidating to someone new to Spanish.
The text is liberally interspersed with examples, and is very clear - particularly with the glossary at the back, which contains explanations of various grammatical terms that are used.
I would consider this book to be a 'must-have' for anyone wanting to get a firmer grasp of Spanish grammar.
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Superb intermediate-advanced grammar book
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Note, if you are looking for a beginners grammar book, take a look at 'Spanish Grammar' by the same author.
(This review applies to the 3rd [2000] edition). I can only recall a couple of times when I could not find a satisfactory answer in this book, so I'll give it 4.9 out of 5, and I'm fairly pedantic.
One example was the use of the subjunctive after 'no saber si'. In peninsular Spanish this is a complete no-no. However, while watching a Latin American [subtitled] version of the Matrix, I noticed the phrase 'No sé si estés listo para ver lo que quiero mostrarte.' (Morpheus talking to Neo near start of film). As I was confused by this usage I had a look in the book and it does concede that use of the subjunctive varies in Latin America after the construction 'no saber si ...', however it didn't go into any more detail.
The other item is that I would have liked more examples in the modal verbs section to differentiate between phrases such as:
Debà ir.
Debà de ir.
DebÃa haber ido.
DeberÃa haber ido.
HabrÃa debido ir
Hubiera debido ir.
(note it does cover some of these, but not exhaustively)
...and various other forms such as: 'should have', 'would have', 'could have', 'may have' and 'might have'.
But maybe it's just me who found the endless ways modal verbs can be strung together confusing.
Other than these two minor points, I found the book extremely detailed, with thousands of usage examples throughout the book.
This is the only advanced grammar book I have. There is no need for another, as it has answered 99% of all my questions.
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A Masterpiece
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I've read dozens of grammar books in dozens of languages, and this is finest of them all by far. The examples, the asides, the footnotes, the compreheniveness, the richness and the range of this book, show that the authors are sensitive, widely-read, creative and dedicated to doing an excellent job. Not for beginners.
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Spanish Grammar Bible
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I was fortunate enough to be taught by John Butt at King's College London and he was one of the most inspirational tutors I've ever had. He made me understand how exciting languages are. I used this book as my Bible throughout University and beyond. I am now training to be a Spanish teacher myself and will recommend it to all future students. As has been said in previous reviews, it may be daunting for beginners, but for intermediate and above, it explains just as clearly the basic ideas as the complexities of the Spanish language. Things you never thought you'd grasp will come easy to you after reading this book!
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An Intelligent Approach to Spanish Grammar
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There are certain books on Spanish Grammar which seek to transform into certainty that which is still controversial and unclear, serving only to confuse and frustrate the intelligent mind. This book is not one of those. Indeed, far from it. Questions in this book are not hidden nor shied away from, they are tackled head on and resolved against the backdrop of development and doubt inherent in any living language. Satisfying in the extreme to read a grammar which manages to be alive to diversity but which also addresses the questions on everybody's lips without resorting to obfuscation.
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