The world's greatest authority on language explains the secrets & subtleties of the grammar of English David Crystal explores its history & varieties explains its rules & irregularities & shows how to navigate its snares & pitfalls He gives practical guidance on how grammar is used in different ways for different purposes & in different social settings In a series of revealing illustrations he also considers what learned & prominent people have said about English grammar over the centuries Like its three companion volumes Making Sense will appeal to everyone interested in the English language & how to use it