Beginning of the book is contained in a lexicon of common grammatical terms to which one can refer when needed as well as a list of errors frequently made by learners, depending on their level. Browse this list will allow the reader to quickly identify its specific shortcomings and addressed by consulting the sections associated with each error.
Consistent with the approach deliberately practice announced by the book, the content is indeed organized as independent entries (over 600), each dealing with a grammar point or a specific appearance. This book merely describes the rules to allow to speak in correct English and in accordance with modern usage: no longer theoretical developments, no general discussion of the English language. Here it goes to the point.
Despite this bias, this book remains surprisingly complete and in use, it is rare not to find an answer to his questions. The index at the end of the book is particularly useful in this respect although it will sometimes juggle different entries to find one where the precise point of interest is effectively addressed.
A grouping of theme entries (eg all those on modal verbs or adjectives, or pronunciation, or determinants etc.) is proposed at the beginning of the book if you want to use it for a systematic study. But in general, the entries do not necessarily follow a logical progression and those related to a specific topic (for example, "auxiliary") may be scattered in different places of the book.
Anyway, Michael Swan wanted to propose a reference book may be addressed to a wide audience and the goal is fully achieved. But the treatment is none the less rigorous, relevant analyzes, and the book is not absolutely ignore the finer points of English grammar.
The many example sentences effectively complement the text and generally complete to remove doubts.
In summary: a practical and comprehensive book, simple but not simplistic. Provided to read in English, this book probably will accommodate everyone, including people with an advanced level.
Highly recommended!
PS: do not hesitate to browse the book on Amazon in order to judge on parts ...
