I found this book to be VERY helpful in understanding Spanish sentence structure. It was like turning on a light! Teaching yourself Spanish isn't the easiest thing, but this book actually EXPLAINS things in clear, concise, easy to understand bits. It also provides the LOGIC behind WHY certain verbs have irregular conjugations. As I said, after reading this book, it was like the old "light bulb" in my brain lit up. Now I can actually read Spanish and understand the 14 tenses. But, as other reviewers have noted, the editor could have done a better job! The ordinal/cardinal mix-up and a few other small English text errors keep this book from getting five stars. But, as practical help to understanding sentence structure, direct/indirect objects, pronouns and verb conjugation, it's great! Handy "tests" (with answers!) at the end of each section so you can practice and see how much you are actually learning! It will even give you pause to contemplate ENGLISH grammer and sentence structure. Suddenly ser, estar, am, are, is, were, was, will all make SENSE! You'll realize just how much more convoluted the ENGLISH language is when compared to Spanish! I'd recommend this book. Simple, easy to use and USEFUL!!
- P. Eisenman
Gutin's Spanish Grammar Book is a winner. At 19 I studied Spanish at the University of Mexico and live today in Costa Rica. But as an American I like to brush up on correct grammar rules quickly. That's where Julie Gutin's highly readable book comes in. I recommend it for all Americans who travel to Latin America. Over the years I've given copies to friends. Four Stars all the way. BillG
- Willy
This book is nicely done. The writing is welcoming and the layout does not overwhelm the reader. The presentation of Spanish grammar is broken down into palatable chunks. Overall it is a useful grammar book that engages the reader. It could have used a better editor. For example, on pages 28 and 29 the text reverses the meaning of "ordinal" and "cardinal" numbers, giving false information. Ordinal numbers are used for ordering things, like first, second, etc, hence ORDINAL for ORDERING, but the book wrongly labels them as cardinal. On the other hand, cardinal numbers are used for counting, but the book wrongly labels them as ordinal. A good editor would have caught this reversal. Despite such little glitches, the book does a good job of teaching essential Spanish grammer.
- Anthony Louis
Will buy this book. Book reviews convinced me. On a side note. Reviewer number 12 keeps talking about how the book reversed the definitions of ordinal and cardinal numbers, and how a good editor could have caught the error. Mr. reviewer number 12 ended his review with 'grammer' instead of ' grammar.' This is very basic misspelling. HILARIOUS. You sounded very intellectual but then you disappointed me.
- joseph jamias
it comes to grammar. Yet good grammar is an essential aspect of fluencyone you cannot fake. With The Everything Spanish Grammar ..
