How does it feel studing grammar on week ends?

Question

I am sure no one enjoys grammar on the weekends. I started a month back and and after going though basics again and again, I have started assimilating concepts. 
How long do you think it takes to get familiar with grammar rules? I am specialty struggling with sentence structure, Clause and phrase. While reading grammar books, it all makes sense. But while solving question, it become very difficult to identify structure and parts of speach. 
Main problem is to decide whats sufficient for GMAT format. If you study only fro GMAT perspective, you tend to leave basics and concentrate only on 8 error types. While entier grammar will be very tedious to study, what is the minimum needed for gmat? I think it takes some time to digest grammar.

AmrithS · Answer

I'm studying grammar as well

From Max Morrenberg's "Doing Grammar" It's an interesting book. It doesn't state any rules. Instead it teaches how different components of a sentence interact with each other. I'm still going through the book though... I will post a review after I finish it!

humphy · Answer

I am a "native" speaker, but grammar still confuses me sometimes. English is not a logical language at all. In fact, we have a dedicated section for words or expressions that break grammatical rules. We just call these "Idioms", which comes from the Greek work "Idios", meaning "Idiotic, foolish or senseless, of lower mental capacity."

Just kidding, but seriously SC is the worst part of the GMAT.

Just kidding, but seriously SC is the worst part of the GMAT.

hussi9 · Answer

@Entwistle - You signature say you have already taken GMAT. Why are you studying grammar again. And about the book "doing grammar", can you please let me know how much helpful or necessary it is ?

@humphy - you seem fed-up with grammar. At time I enjoy it. But as you start getting deep into it there are so many rules that it frustrates you.

Knowing everything necessary will be a hell of a task.

bb · Answer

You may also want to take a look at this post: best-gmat-grammar-book-for-international-students-79934.html

(sorry for the shameless plug of the gmat club's grammar book in that thread) - that was not the point.

hussi9 · Answer

Hi bb,

As you know I got the Ultimate grammar book, and I am going through it. It has very nice sections which are relevant to GMAT. 
But I want to learn grammar basics not for any exams. As in I should be aware of all concepts of grammar and structure of English language . Which I think most of the book lack.
Only after that SC will be fun and I can be ready to take up the challenge.

bb · Answer

sure - this should give you a list of books to consider...

P.S. I did not like Doing Grammar but I don't want it to be an indicator of anything. I just found it tough to digest (could be my microscopic brain)

humphy · Answer

Strunk & White: Elements of Style. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/020530 ... 020530902X Best grammar book.

bb · Answer

And I love the price ($0.01 for 1999 edition).

hussi9 · Answer

Price is 0.9 plus shipment with it 5 times more then the cost of book :p

gmatprep2011 · Answer

I am studying grammar too... e-gmat.com videos seem good...

Feel happy when I remember a grammar rule when I solve SC questions... feel as if I know something and I don't have to rely on my ears all the time...

Zatarra · Answer

I have the oct. edition of this book. What if it gets updated . Do i get a revised copy free of cost or do i get a copy of the changes introduced. :}

humphy · Answer

yep. I don't think grammar rules have changed that much from 1999 either =P

ravsg · Answer

Or bid on ebay if one is looking to pay less and has the time to wait till one finds the right price.

I got my "doing grammar" from ebay, have gone through a few books, personally, it just took repetition to be able to start grasping rules.

hussi9 · Answer

Till now I have spend 3 weekend studying grammar. And I cant think of saying I know all the basics of grammar. I send lots of time to understand and identifying the type of Phrase, verbs and other part of speech . 
But it is now helpful to understand the terms used in SC explanation. 
I must say SC does not need all of the basics. Such as identifying the type of verb and type of phrase is not needed for solving SC. 
Just broad knowledge of verbs like to be verbs, action verbs and helping verb is sufficient. 
I phrases only you need to identify the modifiers and what it is acting as. As in the modifier acting as noun, verb or adjective.

humphy · Answer

I agree. Trying to remember all the names for the parts (beyond Noun, Verb, etc.) is crazy and has huge diminishing returns. I mean, it's not like the GMAT is going to quiz you on past participles and independent clause modifiers and such...

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How does it feel studing grammar on week ends?

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