Spanish: An Essential Grammar

Spanish: An Essential Grammar is a concise and user-friendly reference guide to the most important aspects of Spanish. It presents a fresh and accessible description of the language that combines traditional and function-based grammar. The book sets out the complexities of Spanish in short, readable sections, and explanations are clear and free from jargon. The Grammar is the ideal reference source for the learner and user of Spanish. It is suitable for either independent study or for students in schools, colleges, universities and adult classes of all types. Features include: * clear distinctions between the essential and basic aspects of Spanish grammar and those that are more complex * full use of authentic examples * easy to understand explanations of areas that customarily pose problems for English speakers * detailed contents list and index for easy access to information.

Peter Bradley has recently become Professor of Latin American History at the University of Newcastle. Ian Mackenzie is Lecturer in Spanish, also at the University of Newcastle.

Preface Acknowledgement Symbols 1. The alphabet, pronunciation, stress, spelling and punctuation 2. Nouns 3. Definite and indefinite articles 4. Demonstrative adjectives and pronouns 5. Possessive adjectives 6. Adjectives 7. Adverbs 8. Personal pronouns 9. Indefinite adjectives, pronouns and adverbs 10. Verb forms 11. Uses of tenses 12. The subjunctive mood 13. Conditional clauses 14. Reflexive verbs 15. Passive constructions 16. Modal auxiliary verbs 17. Infinitive constructions 18. Uses of the gerund 19. Commands 20. Ser and estar 21. Prepositions 22. Por and para 23. Numerals and numerical expressions 24. Negation 25. Relative clauses 26. Comparative and superlative constructions 27. Questions and exclamations 28. Word order 29. Word formation 30. Differences between Latin American and Peninsular Spanish Glossary Index