5 comments about The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation: An Easy-to-Use Guide with Clear Rules, Real-World Examples, and Reproducible Quizzes.

1. Our family and friends actually own and use this book, referring to it often as well as taking the extremely helpful quizzes. Finding this a well organized, concise but complete with examples of grammatical rules and errors, I couldn't recommend a more profitable study guide and text. One doesn't need to know the names of every possible English language clause, what one needs to understand and learn are the *correct applications* for punctuation including hyphens, em dashes, en dashes and parentheses, subject verb agreement, confusing words and homonyms,capitalization, effective writing, who vs. whom and more. This is the "Go to" source AND text on the top of my desk. Knowing the names of the grammar form does not help me apply the rule. For a thorough, practical and concise grammar resource, you can't find a replacement these days.



2. This is not a personally I used it, but the tutors whom I gave them to are over the moon.
   a retired school teacher (math&english) gave this book a standing ovation, as the others shouted "bravo". In a phrase "they love it"



3. I bought this hoping for a grammar reference that was as comprehensive as The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. I was very disappointed. It is 75 pages of rules (many erroneous based on the other reviews, which I wish I'd read prior to purchasing) followed by 78 pages of quizzes and answers. There is no index. The lack of an index makes it particularly ineffective as a reference.



4. I purchased a NEW grammar book as a reference book for my job. I received it on time and it was in excellent condition.



5. I wasn`t happy with this purchase because of the shipping. I bought two more books on Christmas time what should be a gift all together. But the books came in different days what made me lost the opportunity to send it to the person who was going to win as a gift. I was really frustrated because of that.

5 comments about Merriam-Webster's Spanish-English Dictionary.

1. This is a small dictionary with everything you need, including phrasing examples. I know very little Spanish, but needed something quick to talk to the crew which was working on my house. I found the task frustrating, as I am sure they did as well. This little book did the trick. Was able to explain exactly what I needed and get a job well done.



2. The old saying about dictionaries being obsolete by the time they are printed is less true now, with our modern technology, but there remains another weak link in the chain that we seldom talk about when reviewing dictionaries: the user. As a professor of Spanish (Golden Age) and as a professional translator (technical and literary), I am a dictionary junkie. That means I have all sorts of dictionaries, each with its particular strengths.
   
   If a person uses a dictionary for what it is not meant to be and encounter problems, it is not from a weakness of the dictionary, but rather a misunderstanding of the user. "Don't use a screwdriver for a hammer" and then complain that it doesn't allow you to drive or remove nails well.
   
   This dictionary is not going to give users the regional nuances of certain words. It isn't a source of information about comparative usage. For that, there are other dictionaries and reference materials, such as Cassell's beyond the dictionary in Spanish;: A handbook of everyday usage -- with a slight inclination toward Peninsular Spanish, written from the perspective of British English -- and a wonderful book. There is also Dictionary of Spoken Spanish.



3. Middle school kids use this often to assist with their homework. Print is small for Mom, but kids have found this book very helpful.



4. This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). One of the most recognized and trusted names in reference books, you expect a dictionary from Merriam-Webster to be high quality, and the Spanish-English Dictionary doesn't disappoint.
   
   
   Many words include sample sentences so that you can see how the word is used in context, allowing you to make suitable word choices or extract even subtle meanings. These phrases are often useful and a handy way to build your vocabulary.
   
   The dictionary is up to date, with many modern and idiomatic words and phrases to help you translate even slang Spanish. While other dictionaries may be old fashioned in their choice of what words to include, or may not cover some more modern expressions, this reference tool is comprehensive and contemporary.
   
   With a helpful section at the front on the basics of Spanish grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and conjugation, the dictionary is great for brushing up on any language issues that you are struggling with.
   
   The introduction on how to get the most out of the dictionary is also a useful resource, ensuring that you can find what you are looking for quickly and easily.
   
   All of the definitions are laid out in familiar Merriam-Webster format, and are clear and easy to read despite the dictionary's small size.
   
   Ideal for checking spelling, meaning, context and conjugation, the dictionary is aimed primarily at English speakers looking to learn Spanish, but works well for native Spanish speakers learning English as a second language too... a testament to just how accurate and useful both the definitions and examples are.
   
   As tiny in size as it is big in usefulness, the dictionary will fit into just about any bag or purse and is sure to be used time and time again. Much more comprehensive than most travel or pocket sized dictionaries, if you are looking for a portable but powerful Spanish-English dictionary then this is the one to buy.
   
   
   In closing my review of this product, I'd like to share with you the three Amazon products that I have found most helpful in my pursuit to learn Spanish. If you are truly serious about achieving fluency, I'd recommend getting all 3 of them if you can afford it.
   
   1. Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that you can reinforce the Spanish vocabulary words and phrases from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film. But be prepared to hear Chilean accents. Although pleasent to the ear, the accents from Chile are very different from most Latin American accents.
   
   2. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) This software replaces the traditional verb conjugation books and makes learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an interactive and fun activity. This should be a required resource for anyone who wants to improve their ability to conjugate Spanish verbs. Especially anyone who is challenged by the drudgery of learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs and who is looking for a new way to make learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an easy and fun activity
   
   3. Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition) If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions entirely in Spanish. I use this one only because it was highly-recommended by a friend from Spain who teaches Spanish.
   



5. My daughter is teaching herself Spanish and has found this dictionary to be very easy to use and extremely helpful to her studies.

5 comments about Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish: A Creative and Proven Approach.

1. I thought that the "Practice Makes Perfect" books were going to be better than this one, but this was a clearer, more concise book. It's challenging for beginners, but stays within the limits of a beginner. It helps to build up a good foundation to learn the language.



2. I bought this book based on all the wonderful reviews and I love it! What a great, simplistic, and convenient approach to learning spanish. I study on my own with it and then practice what I learn with friends who speak Spanish! I have also bought 4 other copies for friends! I highly recommend this book!



3. This is a good reference for learning the basics of language. It's easy to use and really does work if you put in the time and effort.



4. THIS BOOK MAKES LEARNING SPANISH FUN. IT IS A GREAT WAY TO START LEARNING.



5. it's so easy to learn using this book - the way she has it. you read it & instead of studying you just read and all of the sudden you are able to speak spanish a little. the more you read the more you learn. it's awesome. I wish she'd write one for every language!

5 comments about The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary.

1. I love this dictionary, very happy to have it. It's a 2005 edition, and I wonder when a newer edition will be available.



2. This item is a great improvement over the last edition and the font is a nice size. My only disappointment is with Amazon; I wish the paperback version had come up in my initial search because I definitely would have preferred that version for ease of use over the cumbersome hardcover.
   
   This isn't the first time this has happened when doing an Amazon search; I find that you often have to look harder for paperback. Make the effort because it's worth the savings.



3. GOOD PRICE, CAME FAST AND PACKED SO AS NOT TO BEND. 100% SATISFIED.
   
   THANKS SO MUCH.



4. After using our Scrabble dictionary from the 70's for many years, we realized we were missing lots of new words! The other book was practically held together by duct tape. (We don't exactly play by the rules; we can look up words AHEAD of time) This book will last us another 30 years! I'm very glad to have it. I like the size of the print also.



5. This book is a great thing to have when playing scrabble with more experienced players.

5 comments about The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition.

1. This is not the best edition of the book. It seemed to be a more accurate representation of the original writing but The Elements of Style 4th Edition is a better educational book.
   
   The Elements of Style (4th Edition)



2. With all of the great reviews posted about The Elements of Style, it is a difficult to add anything that hasn't been said before. The Elements of a Style is a great book that will help improve your writing - regardless of how well you write at present. This book is one that writers will want to keep handy.
   
   One of the few drawbacks of The Elements is that it may make people self conscious about all of the mistakes that they have been making in their writing. A bigger problem, as many reviewers have pointed out, is that some of the advice is dated because it is based on the way Americans spoke and wrote in the past.
   
   I recommend The Elements of Style.



3. I bought this book as one of the textbooks for a class. It is a pocket size book, and as an international graduate student I find it very useful, specially because English is not my mother language and I have to write many papers for different classes and scientific articles.



4. I was thinking about starting an editing business out of my home, so I purchased this with that in mind. Well, I never did get around to editing, but I still read and re-read this book -- many times. In fact, both my adult children bought copies for themselves. One was in college at the time, the other just enjoyed the book enough to want a copy for herself.
   
   This is a great book that would make a fantastic gift for a high-schooler, or someone in college, as well as the linguist in your life.
   
   My copy is now dogeared, and very much worn. It is time I bought another copy for myself.



5. I started to get down to the book based on personal recommendation. My professor told me that this book is a must-read and will help us go down to the same path he did. I wanna break the norm that scientists can't write well.
   This awesome book was originally written by Willim Strunk Jr, in the hope of helping his students to write well in his class. To his great surprise, one of his students, E.B. White followsuit the clear-cut, lucid, easy-to-read guidlines and transcended the pocket book into a writing bible that's sold millions of copies to this day.
   
   The author provided lucid dos and donts , each with the correct and flawed demonstration.
   Classic misused phrases include: per se, -wise, in terms of, interestingly, the fact that to name a few.
   He also gave tips on properly using punctuations and where to watch out for.
   
   In the last chapter, he got straight to the point to provide tips for emerging writers and journalists:
   
   1. avoid overstatement
   2. familiarity with the use of language will help us form our own style, so just follow the flow
   3. there are no infallible, definite guidelines to abide by
   4. use spelling check
   5. avoid foreign language and colloquial expression
   6. dont overexplain things
   7. the use of fancy words or trying to be flashy, showy doesn't make you smarter
   8. write in a coherent, consistent manner
   
   I had a great time digesting the wisdom within the book with pleasure and euphoria. I hope ya'll can find it helpful, and one day can all write like Strunk and White!

5 comments about Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses.

1. Well written...Good for any level...easily explained...Just have to keep at it...I have had other beginner's in Spanish but none were as good as this in verbal comprehension



2. I DON'T LIKE TO STUDY OR READ, BUT THIS BOOK MAKES LEARNING INTERESTING. BELIEVE ME, YOU WILL LEARN ALOT FOR LESS THAN $10.00.
   
   ABSOLUTELY GREAT PURCHASE!!!



3. I studied spanish waaaay back in middle & high school but have forgotten practically everything except the basics, i.e. present tense conjugation of a few regular -ar, -er, -ir verbs. These days, so many people approach me speaking Spanish, it's a shame not to be able to reply. This book is a great resource for me. I attend a Spanish conversation club but I have a "terrible" ear. I'm a visual learner - I need to see the word & write it so it "sticks". This workbook provides plenty of simple written exercises. Plus the explanations are clear & straightforward (why aren't school textbooks written this way?). If you are an auditory learner, this workbook might not be enough for you - try something like the more-affordable-than-RosettaStone Berlitz Spanish Premier (Win/Mac) w. interactive video & audio. But if you are 1) an avid notetaker, 2) absorb new information best when it is written & 3) like the structure of a book you can work your way through, I HIGHLY recommend this for you.



4. This book has been one of the best ways for me to practise my Spanish verb tenses. If fact this is my second time Ive gone through this workbook. A clear, concise, progressive way to learn Spanish verb tenses.



5. I'm just learning spanish and this is a great workbook to help with the verbs

5 comments about 501 Spanish Verbs: with CD-ROM (Barron's Foreign Language Guides).

1. Great Verb book. Easy to use and has lots of helps in it. Highly recommend this book for anyone taking Spanish!!!



2. I got this book for my daughter that needed it in her college course! We checked other places for it and it cost $30 or more! I loved the price on Amazon much better! The book arrived on time and was in great condition!!! My daughter is still enjoying this book, so I guess we both are happy!!!



3. I bought this kindle addition because I am planning on living in a Spanish speaking country for a couple of years. I also wanted to take many on my books along on my Kindle to avoid the hassle and weight of bound books. I love my paperback addition and use it almost daily as I study Spanish. However, the size of the print and the inability to adjust the font or use the magnifier makes it almost useless on my Kindle 2. It might be OK on the Kindle DX but I would not recommend it for the smaller Kindle 2. By the way, I do love my Kindle after 2 months, I find I read much more with less fatigue.



4. I purchased the Kindle to put this book and other reference books on it for travel. The 501 Verbs does not work on the Kindle. The pages with the conjugated verbs function like a picture on the Kindle, so you cannot increase the size of the type (and it is VERY tiny) and when you search for a verb it only gives you references that are in sentence use and not the page that the full verb conjugation in on. The Kindle may be good for reading a traditional book from front to back, but it is frustrating to use with reference materials. I returned the book, as I have it in paperback, and I may end up returning the kindle as it is not going to meet my needs. From what I read, the Spanish-English dictionaries are also of poor quality, even though at least one can now be integrated. I am sure the technology is difficult to establish with the level of sophistication and responsiveness that I would like, but this does not do it.



5. Speedy delivery, the book is practically new and in perfect condition, my old one is falling apart, hard to find this at the bookstore. I'm very happy with the service. Thanks!!!

5 comments about Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary.

1. I'm going to have to break with other reviewers here, and give my less-than-stellar review of this book. We purchased this before we left for our European trip to Paris and 3 cities in Italy. We also purchased the French book by Steve's. Before we left we thought we'd found the perfect book with the perfect phrases, although they were harder to find due to the way he lays out the book. But after much research we settled on these books and were happy....until we had to use them in France and Italy. I quickly discovered that although the book had helped with pronunciation, almost none of the words we needed were in the dictionary in the back, nor could we find simple words or phrases in the proper sections of travel and dining, that we found in real life situations. This was very disappointing, first in France then in Italy. I quickly went to Google translator, put in all the phrases I needed but did not find in the book, and wrote them all down. This helped tremendously. I also searched for words that weren't in the dictionary and wrote them down, as well. Almost every night I did this as we encountered new circumstances that the book didn't have anything helpful for. Also, when you're in the moment and you need something, trying to find first the section which seems haphazardly placed in the book, then the area of the section where the phrases are located, then go down the list for the correct phrase, is time consuming of time you don't have, and frustrating when after all that time you don't find what you need. Meanwhile the person you're trying to speak to is just staring at you. Things worked much better when I whipped out my handwritten phrases and asked my direct question. Just remember that you probably won't understand what their answer is unless it's a simple yes or no.
   
   After this trip my advise is to borrow basic language books from the library, type out what you need and get a good pocket dictionary if you need, something with substance which this dictionary is not. Use Google translator for the most used phrases you think you'll need and go from there. Save your money on this book.



2. Was so well taken care of by tour director that I didnt need to use this book, but enjoyed reading it. Left it with tour director.



3. This will be very helpful on my trip to Italy in April....altho I know Italian, there are some things I don't remember.....



4. I like that this book has phrases that you might not think that you will need. it categorizes phrases by subjects which helps when youre in a rush (food, greetings etc)



5. Haven't been to italy since we bought this but reading it allevietes any fears of "language barriers". Looking forward to using it.

5 comments about 1001 Most Useful Spanish Words (Beginners' Guides).

1. This is an additional resource to my Spanish-English software, audio CD's and internet forums and online dictionaries. Very helpful when on the go.



2. This book is compact, with well chosen vocabulary. He has recognized the need to learn a word and fix it in memory by using it in a sentence and has provided the English translations to reinforce it. You couldn't ask for more in a book designed to build vocabulary.
   
   As a professor of Spanish with 30 years of experience, I have accumulated a lot of hints for building vocabulary. One is to get a book like this! Another is to look up the vocabulary you find yourself using -- this could be professional or social. This list will be somewhat different for everyone. For instance, if you install doors for a living and have to speak to Spanish speakers on the job, you will need to know the words for "hinge," "door knob" and "screws." But the average person only will need to know the words for "door," and "key," as well as associated vocabulary such as "open," "close," etc. Another hint I have is to label the objects you commonly use, or pictures of them. Don't forget to learn the article associated with the nouns so you will remember if they are masculine or feminine.
   
   Eventually, putting your vocabulary to use in meaningful and communicative ways will require you to master grammar. Beginners, as they move into intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish, will have to learn the ins and outs of many areas of grammar.
   
   Without a doubt, if you build a vocabulary, you'll have the building blocks; grammar is the cement that allows you to put it all together correctly.
   
   Enjoy the process and keep working at it!
   
   Sincerely,
   
   Eric W. Vogt, Ph.D.



3. This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). Learning 1001 of the most useful Spanish words might not make you fluent, but it is certainly enough to make yourself understood in most circumstances, even if you have no prior knowledge of Spanish.
   
   Not only does the book provide a hefty serving of vocabulary, but it also uses each word in a sentence in Spanish, letting you see how it is used. These sentences are also handy in and of themselves, building your repertoire of Spanish. The example sentences for each word have been carefully chosen, to show the most common usage and many times you may find that while searching for just one word you find the exact full sentence that you were trying to say.
   
   The words are organized by topic, and then alphabetically so it is fast and easy to find the words that you are looking for. Since the words are sorted into categories you will often find many useful words and sentences to fit your situation on the same page.
   
   While a standard dictionary may have you flipping back and forth to find the names of different fruits while you are at the market, this book will present many of them to you in the same section, along with useful words to help you make a purchase, and many sentences that will come in handy.
   
   As these are the 1001 Most Useful Spanish Words, you can also be confident that the words you need most will be right at your fingertips. No leafing past lists of words that people rarely use... each word is carefully included because it is valuable to have. For this reason, it is also a good idea to take the time to really read through the book to familiarize yourself with these words, as well as the example sentences.
   
   The book is a great accompaniment to any full language course, providing extra samples of how words are used. As the example sentences use different tenses and pronouns, they can also help you to understand how various elements of grammar are applied too.
   
   Light and small, this book is extremely portable, fitting into any bag or even a pocket. It is even slim enough to slip inside one of your sturdier books. At such a low price it is a must-have addition to your Spanish learning library.
   
   These are the three Amazon products that I have found most helpful in my pursuit to learn Spanish.
   
   1. Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that you can reinforce the dialog from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film and to reinforce the Spanish that you learn. But be prepared to hear Chilean accents. Although pleasent to the ear, the accents from Chile are very different from most Latin American accents.
   
   2. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) This software replaces the traditional verb conjugation books and makes learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an interactive and fun activity. This should be a required resource for anyone who wants to improve their ability to conjugate Spanish verbs, especially anyone who is challenged by the drudgery of learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs.
   
   3. Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition) If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions are entirely in Spanish.



4. This book has helped me a lot, and it is very easy to carry around. The price was great, and it came in a few days. I have been using it ever since



5. This is without a doubt the best "learning Spanish" book I have purchased. I have bought a lot of books too. The example sentence with each definition is very effective. It automatically helps with more than just the word presented.
   
   The price makes this book a must-have. You feel really good about your highly effective, two dollar Spanish book.
   
   Also worth a look is "Easy Spanish Phrase Book." This book is about the same size and price. It is almost as good.
   
   These books are perfect when you are a dollar or so short of making it to free shipping. ;-)

5 comments about Easy Spanish Phrase Book: Over 770 Basic Phrases for Everyday Use (Dover Easy Phrase) (Spanish and English Edition).

1. I would recommend this product for a beginner. It helps to pronounce words and phrases for traveling. Okay to get around in.



2. I know a little Spanish but not as much as I'd like. Got this book for a recent trip to Mexico and found it very helpful. Easy to find what you're looking for and just about every phrase you'd commonly use. I've used it since to better communicate with some contractors I am currently working with.



3. VERY BASIC PHRASE BOOK. NOT THE BEST, BUT WILL BE HANDY IF NEEDED. THE PRICE IS PHENOMENAL: ONLY 2.00.
   
   WELL WORTH THE MONEY...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



4. After listening to the Pimsleur audio tapes, I picked up a copy. Execellent for checking pronunciation, phrasings, and sentence structure. Helps build up the vocabulary rather quickly. At this price, just pick it up and make the time to go through it.



5. This book will literally help you with basic Spanish. I can now communicate with Spanish speaking people! This book will not only help you speak Spanish, but also help you read and write it. If you want to learn Spanish, this is the best book to start with.