Amiot-Cadey - Collins Easy Learning Spanish Grammar

HarperCollins Publishers
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Second Edition 2011

Reprint 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2011

EPUB Edition July 2011 ISBN 978-0-00-744473-1

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Printed in India by Gopsons Papers Ltd

Acknowledgements
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SERIES EDITOR
Rob Scriven

MANAGING EDITOR
Galle Amiot-Cadey

EDITORIAL COORDINATION
Susanne Reichert
Rachel Smith

CONTRIBUTORS
Cordelia Lilly
Jos Mara Ruiz Vaca
Fernando Len Sols
Wendy Lee
Di Larkin
Jeremy Butterfield

We would like to give special thanks to Di Larkin, Foreign Languages Consultant, and Irene Muir, Faculty Head, Belmont House School, for all their advice on teaching practice in todays classroom. Their contributions have been invaluable in the writing of this book.

FOREWORD FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS

The Easy Learning Spanish Grammar is designed to be used with both young and adult learners, as a group reference book to complement your course book during classes, or as a recommended text for self-study and homework/coursework.

The text specifically targets learners from ab initio to intermediate or GCSE level, and therefore its structural content and vocabulary have been matched to the relevant specifications up to and including Higher GCSE.

The approach aims to develop knowledge and understanding of grammar and to improve the ability of learners to apply it by:

• defining parts of speech at the start of each major section, with examples in English to clarify concepts
• minimizing the use of grammar terminology and providing clear explanations of terms both within the text and in the Glossary
• illustrating points with examples (and their translations) based on topics and contexts which are relevant to beginner and intermediate course content

The text helps you develop positive attitudes to grammar learning in your classes by:

• giving clear, easy-to-follow explanations
• prioritizing content according to relevant specifications for the levels
• sequencing points to reflect course content, e.g. verb tenses
• highlighting useful Tips to deal with common difficulties
• summarizing Key points at the end of sections to consolidate learning

In addition to fostering success and building a thorough foundation in Spanish grammar, the optional Grammar Extra sections will encourage and challenge your learners to further their studies to higher and advanced levels.

INTRODUCTION FOR STUDENTS

Whether you are starting to learn Spanish for the very first time, brushing up on topics you have studied in class, or revising for your GCSE exams, the Easy Learning Spanish Grammar is here to help. This easy-to-use guide takes you through all the basics you will need to speak and understand modern, everyday Spanish.

Newcomers can sometimes struggle with the technical terms they come across when they start to explore the grammar of a new language. The Easy Learning Spanish Grammar explains how to get to grips with all the parts of speech you will need to know, using simple language and cutting out jargon.

The text is divided into sections, each dealing with a particular area of grammar. Each section can be studied individually, as numerous cross-references in the text guide you to relevant points in other sections of the book for further information.

Every major section begins with an explanation of the area of grammar covered on the following pages. For quick reference, these definitions are also collected together on pages in a glossary of essential grammar terms.

What is a verb?

A verb is a doing word which describes what someone or something does, what someone or something is, or what happens to them, for example, be, sing, live.

Each grammar point in the text is followed by simple examples of real Spanish, complete with English translations, helping you understand the rules. Underlining has been used in examples throughout the text to highlight the grammatical point being explained.

In orders and instructions telling someone to do something, the pronoun joins onto the end of the verb to form one word.