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The Modern Scholar  By  cover art

The Modern Scholar

By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
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Publisher's summary

Who eats shoots and leaves? A panda? Or a gunman at a restaurant? The answer to this all depends on - you guessed it - grammar. In the third part of his extraordinary Way with Words series, Professor Drout continues to explore humanity's intimate association with language, here delving into the finer points of English grammar. Since others judge you by the way you speak, the intricacies of grammar, in fact, should not be relegated to the realm of fussy "guardians of the language," but are rather essential clues all can employ to communicate more exactly. In such a light, this course forms an invaluable guide for everyone from all fields of interest.
©2008 Michael D.C. Drout (P)2008 Recorded Books

What listeners say about The Modern Scholar

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What is Grammar?

The books is a masterpiece. For a book about grammar to be that interesting to me , a non-native speaker, it has to be really really good.
However, don't expect it to magically transform your grammar or use of language. It is more of a history and explanation of what is grammar not of grammatical rules (although it has some of those as well of course)

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5 people found this helpful

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  • 12-02-16

I LOVE this audiobook!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This sounds like such a boring subject, but it's absolutely fascinating! Michael Drout is extremely knowledgeable and obviously loves this subject, and he makes it fun. I wish I had him for a teacher in college!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A Whirlwind Grammar

What did you love best about The Modern Scholar?

Prof. Drout has presented the complicated structure of English in a way that is much simpler than a grammar textbook. However, he flies through things quite quickly, so it is important to pay VERY close attention!

What other book might you compare The Modern Scholar to and why?

I have grammar textbooks, but I am not sure if that is a fair comparison. This is presented in a way that is way more accessible.

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Great book for ESL

If you could sum up The Modern Scholar in three words, what would they be?

Easy English Grammar

What did you like best about this story?

Prof. Drout made English grammar very easy to understand. I am enjoyed the way he simplified a sentence structure with noun phase and verb phase, which simplify English grammar structure.

Any additional comments?

If you have trouble with writing structure English, this book will help you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Course

This course contains an enjoyable and interesting series of lectures on English grammer. It is narrated by its author, Professor Michael Drout, who explains the history of English grammer; and its rules, conventions and contradictions in a thoroughly humouress, light-hearted and logical manner. I would recommend this course to anyone seeking to improve their use and knowledge of English grammer, whether or not you may be a native English speaker or learning English as a second language.

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21 people found this helpful

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As interesting as Grammar can possibly be

I was worried that this one might be dull but have been pleasantly surprised. Only Professor Drout could make Grammar this interesting.

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7 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Go red panda!

As great a lecturer as Professor Drout is, even with his humour and considerable talent, an 8 hour lecture on grammar seems to be too much of a feat. No fault on the lecturer's part, it's the subject.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very funny

I do not know if I learned grammar but it is so funny that it does not matter. Additionally you learn a lot about the hystory of English language.

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1 person found this helpful

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This Is The Way

The Drout Way is to show you the intricacies of language and grammar. You see the beauty there and care a little more. You become more mindful, and grammar improves on its own.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Entertaining but too verbose

The author uses too many words to explain too few things. Rather than a book it sounds like a collection of lecturers, because, in fact, it is a collection of lecturers.

Nevertheless, probably some listeners will like this style. It makes for an easier understanding.

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2 people found this helpful