The aim of this book is to be as comprehensive as possible in its coverage of all the points of French grammar normally encountered by undergraduate students in French. It can serve as a textbook but its main purpose is to be a reference book. As it covers all levels from basic to very advanced, it should fill the gaps which may be present in even an advanced student's knowledge.

Many of the examples given to illustrate various points of grammar were inspired by students' essays and proses. The explanations reflect the author's experience of teaching French to English-speakers, and an awareness of their particular problems.

Constant references are made in the book to the terms and concepts explained in the framework chapters, i.e. chapter 1 Parts of Speech, chapter 2 Syntax and Grammatical Functions, chapter 3 Pronunciation, Spelling, Registers, Punctuation, and chapter 4 Introduction to Verbs. Although these chapters provide a useful overview for the advanced student, the beginner should refer to them only when further explanation of a grammatical term is needed.

Whenever possible, equivalent French terminology is given so as to facilitate reference to French grammar books.

The book indicates the ‘correct’ grammar that an undergraduate is expected to use in written and oral examinations, but also mentions deviations that are used by French writers for literary effect.