The Modern Scholar

A Way With Words Part III: Grammar for Adults

De: Professor Michael D.C. Drout

Narrado por: Professor Michael D.C. Drout

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.Download the accompanying reference guide.©2008 Michael D.C. Drout (P)2008 Recorded Books

Drout is always a pleasure

I've had several audio books from Drout, I always enjoy his humour. He takes a light touch to the material whilst still being informative and helpful. Will download the other books from him for this series! I have always had a struggle understanding grammar but I did find his way of looking at things helpful. He made it more like a story than a formula, which works for me. I recommend it!

Useful and entertaining

Any additional comments?

Drout describes in a very interesting way the elements of the speech and most (if not all) the rules you need to get a good handle on the english language. His narrative is so engaging that I dare to say it is almost hypnotic. Among the things he talks about are the elements of speech, language history, transformational grammar and more, everything seasoned with his delightful humor and geeky bits of medieval history. His reading of Bewolf is amazing.

I highly recommend this book.

Entertaining book for learning grammar

Would you consider the audio edition of The Modern Scholar to be better than the print version?

I was looking for a book to brush up my grammar and came across this one. I have found most of the grammar books to be boring. But based upon the reviews, I thought I will give this book a chance. I finished this book on my drives to work in about 3 weeks and really enjoyed listening.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the way Professor Drout has made Grammar really interesting to listen to. Chapters 5 to 13 are just fabulous!

What does the narrator bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The fact that the lectures are narrated by Professor Drout made me feel that I was actually attending his lectures in school.

Well worth the listen. Not tedious.

Great insights as to why, and how English evolved and continues to evolve into the way it is. Author has passion for this subject and that propels the reader/listener forward.

Professor Drout explains it all for you

What made the experience of listening to The Modern Scholar the most enjoyable?

Prof. Drout has a very engaging style and makes any subject he talks about easy to understand and enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful supplementary material for English students or anyone who wants to understand language.

Enjoyable & Informative

I really loved listening to this course about grammar. I have always read quite a bit so I had an ok framework for being grammatical, but grammar courses never really engaged me before this one. With this course I finally understand the reasons why grammar and spelling are the way they are.

The parts of interest about the history of English were fascinating and they were presented in a clearer mode than I have encountered before. I really loved the sections on spelling and transformational grammar. I had never known about transformational generative grammar before this course, and it was very cool to see a clearer mode of taking apart and analyzing sentences. Overall, I think the "Drout Approach" to grammar is very calm, a little laid-back, yet still precise. I enjoyed that. In fact, I listened to this course two times already, and have decided to try some further reading about grammar to increase my facility. The course increased my interest in its subject matter, which is what I view to be a hallmark of a good course in any venue.

Prof. Drout has a nice speaking voice (not dry or boring) that is varied and interesting to listen to. The narration did not put me to sleep, but engaged me in stories that were amusing and easy to remember. This narrative quality, along with the helpful and interesting facts found throughout the course made this an enjoyable and informative listen.

I know I’m weird

I’m weird, I know, but I love to study the mechanics of language, how words are used, and where they come from. And I silently correct everyone’s grammar, I just can’t help it. I found a kindred spirit in Dr. Drout, and loved hearing the things he has to say in this book. I’m glad he has written other books because I can’t wait to read them.

Entertaining and educational

Enjoyed his presentation of the material, specifically the liveliness of Dr. Drout's teaching style. I enjoyed how he presented contentious points in grammar usage and style among those who teach grammar, yet remaining focused that the lecture for many of us is to improve our usage. Enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to additional programs from Professor Drout.

best grammar audio book - love the Drout way!

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

Fabulous, imaginative & brilliant.

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

Grammar girl - put one to bed and please never listen to grammar girl while driving.. Might land you in a hospital.

Any additional comments?

You will love P. Drout in his refreshing way of presenting such a dry subject like grammar!

Loved it

What did you love best about The Modern Scholar?

I'm a grammar nut, so this is right up my alley, but even for people who are not, it's a fascinating look at where our wacky English grammar came from and gives the reader a deeper understanding of why we speak the way we speak. Also helps as a review of some of those quirky grammar rules.

What about the narrator’s performance did you like?

Informal, light approach to what can be a dry and heavy subject; witty, engaging style.