Fundamentals of English Grammar

The Black Azar is always a favorite book for intermediate ESL students. Very interactive for a grammar book.

At UC Berkeley, when I first started, several teachers recommended this book to me. I perused it and used it for the next 16 years - when the program was closed. The large number of exercises, the charts that really show how the verbs function (for visual learners), and the oral exercises (for aural learners and reinforcement) were invaluable. Even now, I sometimes refer to it for answers and ideas in specific areas. However, I must say that two teachers with whom I worked, really disliked this book, and never used it. But, 2 out of 28, still puts it pretty high on the list as far as I am concerned. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. P.S. It is the mid-level book of a 3-book series. The other two are also excellent!

I think this book is really wonderful. I have been teaching ESL/EFL for about eight years, and I have yet to see a book that is so complete. I teach English in Mexico, where everything the students have ever learned comes on a chart, so the charts are a HUGE help. What I most like about this grammar book is the oral exercises. Since I focus mostly on speaking and listening (due to my student's needs, of course) the students generally love the oral drills. I really recommend this book, especially for the oral practice of the grammar points. Any grammar book gives you boring fill in the blank exercises, but this book goes beyond that.

Having taught English asa Second Language in Asia and the States as well as elementary school English and literacy, Azar is the best. Her examples are clear and interesting. The excercises are real to life. Her charts are invaluable to make things systematic and clear for all levels of students.

I am an esl teacher of intermediate level adult students and I have been using this book in my class for about a year. I love the book, and even better, so do my students! The explanations are clear, and the exercises are superb. We do a combination of oral,aural, and written exercises. It's a great book to use in the classroom, and I have a number of students who have bought it to use for study at home. It's informative,thorough, and FUN!