It can be much harder than it seems; commas, colons, semi-colons and even apostrophes can drive us all mad at times, but it riles no one more than the longest-serving resident of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner, grammar guru Gyles Brandreth.
In this brilliantly funny tirade and guide, Gyles anatomizes the linguistic horrors of our times, tells us where we’ve been going wrong (and why) and shows us how, in future, we can get it right every time. Is ‘alright’ all right? You’ll find out right here. From dangling clauses to gerunds, you’ll also discover why Santa’s helpers are subordinate clauses.
In Have You Eaten Grandma? he waxes lyrical about the importance of language as, after all, it is what we use to define ourselves and, ultimately, is what makes us human.
Unleash your inner grammar guru and banish linguistic nightmares with Gyles Brandreth's hilarious and insightful guide, *Have You Eaten Grandma?*. This isn't your dusty old grammar textbook; prepare for a witty and engaging romp through the minefield of modern English, brought to you by the longest-serving resident of *Countdown's* Dictionary Corner himself. Are you tired of battling with commas, colons, and the ever-elusive apostrophe? Does the mere mention of a dangling participle send shivers down your spine? Then fear not! Brandreth, a renowned wordsmith and celebrated broadcaster, offers a much-needed antidote to the grammatical chaos that plagues our everyday lives. *Have You Eaten Grandma?* is more than just a style guide; it's a passionate and often uproarious defense of the English language. Brandreth dissects the common errors that trip us up, revealing the logic (or lack thereof) behind the rules and offering practical solutions to ensure you never again commit a grammatical faux pas. You'll learn whether "alright" is *actually* all right, master the art of the semi-colon, and finally understand the difference between "affect" and "effect." But this book isn't just about avoiding mistakes. Brandreth eloquently argues that language is fundamental to who we are. It shapes our thoughts, defines our relationships, and ultimately makes us human. Through engaging anecdotes, witty observations, and a genuine love for the English language, he reminds us of the power and beauty of words. Dive into 256 pages of linguistic delight, published by Michael Joseph in 2018. Brandreths humour and clarity make even the most complex grammar concepts accessible and entertaining. Whether you're a seasoned writer, a student grappling with grammar rules, or simply a lover of language, *Have You Eaten Grandma?* will leave you informed, amused, and empowered to wield the English language with confidence and precision. Forget dry, academic jargon Brandreth's infectious enthusiasm makes learning grammar a genuine pleasure. Prepare to laugh, learn, and transform your understanding of the English language. This hardcover edition, weighing approximately 363 grams, is a perfect addition to any language lover's bookshelf. With ISBN-13: 9780241352632, you can easily find this gem and embark on a journey to grammatical enlightenment with one of Britain's most beloved language experts. Discover why Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses and unlock the secrets to clear, concise, and captivating communication. *Have You Eaten Grandma?* is your passport to a world of grammatical mastery!