EXCELLENT BOOK, 26 Oct 2008
ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK A GOOD FEW YEARS AGO. I USE IT ALL THE TIME IN BETWEEN MY CLASSES AT NIGHT SCHOOL AND ALWAYS REFER BACK TO IT WHEN WE MOVE TO DIFFERENT USES OF VERBS IN CLASS.
I DO THE EXERCISES IN A A4 SCRAP PAD THAT WAY THE BOOK CAN BE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN I CHECK THE ANSWERS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
I HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A GOOD FRIEND AND HE AND HIS CO WORKER THINK IT IS EXCELLENT.
PRONOUNS AND PREPOSITIONS .....COMPLETE SPANISH GRAMMAR ....AND SPANISH VOCABULARY ....ARE ALL VERY USEFUL BOOKS IN THE LEARNING RANGE ALSO.

Spanish Verbs, 15 Sep 2008
Excellent basic text on Spanish verbs. I refer to it time and time again, even after years of study.

Know Spanish Verbs Inside and Out!!!, 21 Jul 2008
This book on Spanish verb tenses is the best I've ever seen. In fact, it is probably the only book of its kind. I haven't seen any other books like this one, probably because it would be a waste of time for someone else to write a book like this.

The book first explains the present tense in great detail. It explains how the present tense is used in every possibleway. Although, it doesn't explain that the present tense is often used to convey a future action more often than the actual future is.

Richmond's explanation of the past tenses is also very good, but I didn't like how the imperfect and the preterit were explained. What I did like was how the author explains that the irregular preterit conjugations have predictable patterns.

The subjunctive is explained towards the end, which is one of the most difficult things to master in Spanish grammar. I didn't particularly care for the author's explanation of the subjunctive because it seems to be a "regurgitation" of how other books explain it.

All in all, this book is well worth its price. Every Spanish student (and teacher) should have a copy of "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses."

Brandon Simpson

This book is the best, 04 Jul 2008
I have read a few books on Spanish verb tenses and grammar, but this one has got to be the best of them all. If you read through this book step by step and do the written exercises as you proceed, you will understand verbs in no time at all.It is easy to follow and set out in a reader friendly way.

clear and practical help for the student of spanish, 08 Jun 2008
In support of the many enthusiastic reviews of this book, I must agree that this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand guides to spanish verbs avaialble. As a very keen student of spanish I have an extensive collection of relevant books, but the Practice Makes Perfect series are refreshingly easy and pleasant to use. The grammar is divided into distinct sections with plenty of explanations, examples and exercises for practice, as well as answers for checking. There are also exercises in the writing of short passages which incorporate the verb conjugations learnt and introduce much new and useful vocabulary. This is a very useful book, not only for learners who attend classes and who would like a little more clarification, but especially for those trying to teach themselves. The relatively large size of print and good layout also enhance the pleasure of using this book.

EXCELLENT BOOK, 26 Oct 2008
ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK A GOOD FEW YEARS AGO. I USE IT ALL THE TIME IN BETWEEN MY CLASSES AT NIGHT SCHOOL AND ALWAYS REFER BACK TO IT WHEN WE MOVE TO DIFFERENT USES OF VERBS IN CLASS.
I DO THE EXERCISES IN A A4 SCRAP PAD THAT WAY THE BOOK CAN BE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN I CHECK THE ANSWERS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
I HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A GOOD FRIEND AND HE AND HIS CO WORKER THINK IT IS EXCELLENT.
PRONOUNS AND PREPOSITIONS .....COMPLETE SPANISH GRAMMAR ....AND SPANISH VOCABULARY ....ARE ALL VERY USEFUL BOOKS IN THE LEARNING RANGE ALSO.

Spanish Verbs, 15 Sep 2008
Excellent basic text on Spanish verbs. I refer to it time and time again, even after years of study.

Know Spanish Verbs Inside and Out!!!, 21 Jul 2008
This book on Spanish verb tenses is the best I've ever seen. In fact, it is probably the only book of its kind. I haven't seen any other books like this one, probably because it would be a waste of time for someone else to write a book like this.

The book first explains the present tense in great detail. It explains how the present tense is used in every possibleway. Although, it doesn't explain that the present tense is often used to convey a future action more often than the actual future is.

Richmond's explanation of the past tenses is also very good, but I didn't like how the imperfect and the preterit were explained. What I did like was how the author explains that the irregular preterit conjugations have predictable patterns.

The subjunctive is explained towards the end, which is one of the most difficult things to master in Spanish grammar. I didn't particularly care for the author's explanation of the subjunctive because it seems to be a "regurgitation" of how other books explain it.

All in all, this book is well worth its price. Every Spanish student (and teacher) should have a copy of "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses."

Brandon Simpson

This book is the best, 04 Jul 2008
I have read a few books on Spanish verb tenses and grammar, but this one has got to be the best of them all. If you read through this book step by step and do the written exercises as you proceed, you will understand verbs in no time at all.It is easy to follow and set out in a reader friendly way.

clear and practical help for the student of spanish, 08 Jun 2008
In support of the many enthusiastic reviews of this book, I must agree that this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand guides to spanish verbs avaialble. As a very keen student of spanish I have an extensive collection of relevant books, but the Practice Makes Perfect series are refreshingly easy and pleasant to use. The grammar is divided into distinct sections with plenty of explanations, examples and exercises for practice, as well as answers for checking. There are also exercises in the writing of short passages which incorporate the verb conjugations learnt and introduce much new and useful vocabulary. This is a very useful book, not only for learners who attend classes and who would like a little more clarification, but especially for those trying to teach themselves. The relatively large size of print and good layout also enhance the pleasure of using this book.

Success with languages, 04 Oct 2008
If this is an OU set book for your course, don't buy it. It just states the obvious and is a pretty dull book. If you have having problems learning the language then speak to your tutor. I bought it because it was a set book for my language course but it'll be in my paper recycling bin soon. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

Not Impressed, 03 Oct 2008
I guess that this book survives by being a set book with the OU. In reality its content is very thin and besides, if you wanted to learn a foreign language why would you want to waste time wading through 238 pages written in English when you could spend it learning a foreign language?

Nothing particularly interesting, 26 Sep 2008
I picked this up because I've been studying Spanish for quite a while, and wanted to revise my techniques as I wasn't making much progress.

I ended up fairly disappointed with this book. It's a description of fairly obviously study techniques, padded out with various other dull-ish text to make it into a decent size book.

I had been hoping for a list of interesting drills, or some novel techniques for giving me a bit of a leap forward in my learning, but as a Spanish student for the last 3/4 years, I got very little out of this.

The only person I could see it appealing to is someone who hasn't really done any study at an advanced level, (perhaps an early school leaver, trying to study later in life), and who needs to try and structure their learning.

However, if you're a couple of years into your studies, I would steer clear.

EXCELLENT BOOK, 26 Oct 2008
ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK A GOOD FEW YEARS AGO. I USE IT ALL THE TIME IN BETWEEN MY CLASSES AT NIGHT SCHOOL AND ALWAYS REFER BACK TO IT WHEN WE MOVE TO DIFFERENT USES OF VERBS IN CLASS.
I DO THE EXERCISES IN A A4 SCRAP PAD THAT WAY THE BOOK CAN BE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN I CHECK THE ANSWERS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
I HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A GOOD FRIEND AND HE AND HIS CO WORKER THINK IT IS EXCELLENT.
PRONOUNS AND PREPOSITIONS .....COMPLETE SPANISH GRAMMAR ....AND SPANISH VOCABULARY ....ARE ALL VERY USEFUL BOOKS IN THE LEARNING RANGE ALSO.

Spanish Verbs, 15 Sep 2008
Excellent basic text on Spanish verbs. I refer to it time and time again, even after years of study.

Know Spanish Verbs Inside and Out!!!, 21 Jul 2008
This book on Spanish verb tenses is the best I've ever seen. In fact, it is probably the only book of its kind. I haven't seen any other books like this one, probably because it would be a waste of time for someone else to write a book like this.

The book first explains the present tense in great detail. It explains how the present tense is used in every possibleway. Although, it doesn't explain that the present tense is often used to convey a future action more often than the actual future is.

Richmond's explanation of the past tenses is also very good, but I didn't like how the imperfect and the preterit were explained. What I did like was how the author explains that the irregular preterit conjugations have predictable patterns.

The subjunctive is explained towards the end, which is one of the most difficult things to master in Spanish grammar. I didn't particularly care for the author's explanation of the subjunctive because it seems to be a "regurgitation" of how other books explain it.

All in all, this book is well worth its price. Every Spanish student (and teacher) should have a copy of "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses."

Brandon Simpson

This book is the best, 04 Jul 2008
I have read a few books on Spanish verb tenses and grammar, but this one has got to be the best of them all. If you read through this book step by step and do the written exercises as you proceed, you will understand verbs in no time at all.It is easy to follow and set out in a reader friendly way.

clear and practical help for the student of spanish, 08 Jun 2008
In support of the many enthusiastic reviews of this book, I must agree that this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand guides to spanish verbs avaialble. As a very keen student of spanish I have an extensive collection of relevant books, but the Practice Makes Perfect series are refreshingly easy and pleasant to use. The grammar is divided into distinct sections with plenty of explanations, examples and exercises for practice, as well as answers for checking. There are also exercises in the writing of short passages which incorporate the verb conjugations learnt and introduce much new and useful vocabulary. This is a very useful book, not only for learners who attend classes and who would like a little more clarification, but especially for those trying to teach themselves. The relatively large size of print and good layout also enhance the pleasure of using this book.

Success with languages, 04 Oct 2008
If this is an OU set book for your course, don't buy it. It just states the obvious and is a pretty dull book. If you have having problems learning the language then speak to your tutor. I bought it because it was a set book for my language course but it'll be in my paper recycling bin soon. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

Not Impressed, 03 Oct 2008
I guess that this book survives by being a set book with the OU. In reality its content is very thin and besides, if you wanted to learn a foreign language why would you want to waste time wading through 238 pages written in English when you could spend it learning a foreign language?

Nothing particularly interesting, 26 Sep 2008
I picked this up because I've been studying Spanish for quite a while, and wanted to revise my techniques as I wasn't making much progress.

I ended up fairly disappointed with this book. It's a description of fairly obviously study techniques, padded out with various other dull-ish text to make it into a decent size book.

I had been hoping for a list of interesting drills, or some novel techniques for giving me a bit of a leap forward in my learning, but as a Spanish student for the last 3/4 years, I got very little out of this.

The only person I could see it appealing to is someone who hasn't really done any study at an advanced level, (perhaps an early school leaver, trying to study later in life), and who needs to try and structure their learning.

However, if you're a couple of years into your studies, I would steer clear.

A Feast of Wordy Delights, 25 May 2007
Such a modest little book, but ignore the self effacing title - this is a real corker, jammed full of insights into our language. Always thought provoking, informative and entertaining, the book joyfully skips between the erudite and the everyday. The section on "muffin top" had me weeping fat tears of laughter on a crowded commuter train, while the chapter on madness provides a thought provoking exploration of the knots we tie ourselves into when discussing the issue and details the surprising clinical origins of terms like idiot and moron.

Unlike other books that claim to explore word histories, Balderdash & Piffle - One Sandwich Short of a Dog's Dinner is thoroughly researched and does not rely on spurious theories or folk etymologies, the real journeys that our words have taken are fascinating enough in their own right. And like the BBC series it accompanies, the thematic layout reveals how we reveal our greatest loves, fears and embarrassments through our language we use.

Packed with hilarious cartoons that fit the book's quirky style, this book would make a delightful present but you'll want a copy for yourself too. I highly recommend.

EXCELLENT BOOK, 26 Oct 2008
ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK A GOOD FEW YEARS AGO. I USE IT ALL THE TIME IN BETWEEN MY CLASSES AT NIGHT SCHOOL AND ALWAYS REFER BACK TO IT WHEN WE MOVE TO DIFFERENT USES OF VERBS IN CLASS.
I DO THE EXERCISES IN A A4 SCRAP PAD THAT WAY THE BOOK CAN BE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN I CHECK THE ANSWERS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
I HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A GOOD FRIEND AND HE AND HIS CO WORKER THINK IT IS EXCELLENT.
PRONOUNS AND PREPOSITIONS .....COMPLETE SPANISH GRAMMAR ....AND SPANISH VOCABULARY ....ARE ALL VERY USEFUL BOOKS IN THE LEARNING RANGE ALSO.

Spanish Verbs, 15 Sep 2008
Excellent basic text on Spanish verbs. I refer to it time and time again, even after years of study.

Know Spanish Verbs Inside and Out!!!, 21 Jul 2008
This book on Spanish verb tenses is the best I've ever seen. In fact, it is probably the only book of its kind. I haven't seen any other books like this one, probably because it would be a waste of time for someone else to write a book like this.

The book first explains the present tense in great detail. It explains how the present tense is used in every possibleway. Although, it doesn't explain that the present tense is often used to convey a future action more often than the actual future is.

Richmond's explanation of the past tenses is also very good, but I didn't like how the imperfect and the preterit were explained. What I did like was how the author explains that the irregular preterit conjugations have predictable patterns.

The subjunctive is explained towards the end, which is one of the most difficult things to master in Spanish grammar. I didn't particularly care for the author's explanation of the subjunctive because it seems to be a "regurgitation" of how other books explain it.

All in all, this book is well worth its price. Every Spanish student (and teacher) should have a copy of "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses."

Brandon Simpson

This book is the best, 04 Jul 2008
I have read a few books on Spanish verb tenses and grammar, but this one has got to be the best of them all. If you read through this book step by step and do the written exercises as you proceed, you will understand verbs in no time at all.It is easy to follow and set out in a reader friendly way.

clear and practical help for the student of spanish, 08 Jun 2008
In support of the many enthusiastic reviews of this book, I must agree that this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand guides to spanish verbs avaialble. As a very keen student of spanish I have an extensive collection of relevant books, but the Practice Makes Perfect series are refreshingly easy and pleasant to use. The grammar is divided into distinct sections with plenty of explanations, examples and exercises for practice, as well as answers for checking. There are also exercises in the writing of short passages which incorporate the verb conjugations learnt and introduce much new and useful vocabulary. This is a very useful book, not only for learners who attend classes and who would like a little more clarification, but especially for those trying to teach themselves. The relatively large size of print and good layout also enhance the pleasure of using this book.

Success with languages, 04 Oct 2008
If this is an OU set book for your course, don't buy it. It just states the obvious and is a pretty dull book. If you have having problems learning the language then speak to your tutor. I bought it because it was a set book for my language course but it'll be in my paper recycling bin soon. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

Not Impressed, 03 Oct 2008
I guess that this book survives by being a set book with the OU. In reality its content is very thin and besides, if you wanted to learn a foreign language why would you want to waste time wading through 238 pages written in English when you could spend it learning a foreign language?

Nothing particularly interesting, 26 Sep 2008
I picked this up because I've been studying Spanish for quite a while, and wanted to revise my techniques as I wasn't making much progress.

I ended up fairly disappointed with this book. It's a description of fairly obviously study techniques, padded out with various other dull-ish text to make it into a decent size book.

I had been hoping for a list of interesting drills, or some novel techniques for giving me a bit of a leap forward in my learning, but as a Spanish student for the last 3/4 years, I got very little out of this.

The only person I could see it appealing to is someone who hasn't really done any study at an advanced level, (perhaps an early school leaver, trying to study later in life), and who needs to try and structure their learning.

However, if you're a couple of years into your studies, I would steer clear.

A Feast of Wordy Delights, 25 May 2007
Such a modest little book, but ignore the self effacing title - this is a real corker, jammed full of insights into our language. Always thought provoking, informative and entertaining, the book joyfully skips between the erudite and the everyday. The section on "muffin top" had me weeping fat tears of laughter on a crowded commuter train, while the chapter on madness provides a thought provoking exploration of the knots we tie ourselves into when discussing the issue and details the surprising clinical origins of terms like idiot and moron.

Unlike other books that claim to explore word histories, Balderdash & Piffle - One Sandwich Short of a Dog's Dinner is thoroughly researched and does not rely on spurious theories or folk etymologies, the real journeys that our words have taken are fascinating enough in their own right. And like the BBC series it accompanies, the thematic layout reveals how we reveal our greatest loves, fears and embarrassments through our language we use.

Packed with hilarious cartoons that fit the book's quirky style, this book would make a delightful present but you'll want a copy for yourself too. I highly recommend.


Perfect for your pre-schooler and beyond, 02 Apr 2008
I would happily recommend this set of books for even the youngest of children.

They are lovely and sturdy, with inset letter(s) on each page for your child to put their finger in and trace the shape, but most importantly they don't seem like an "educational" book to children! Even without focusing on the phonics element to the books, the pages are great fun to look at just for the pictures - there are recurring characters (eg a snake) which can be searched for on each page, and 2-4 pages at the rear of each book with exercises such as matching games, some with flaps to lift, which re-inforce the sounds covered in that book.

Because of these elements, my little girl (then aged 2) enjoyed looking at them just as much as my 4 year old son, who'd just started in reception class at school when I bought these 6 months ago to supplement his learning to read. My only wish is that I had bought them 2 years before when he was a pre-schooler, as it would have introduced the jolly phonics concepts that he is now learning at an earlier age.

Highly recommended to all.

Great Books, 12 Jan 2008
Both my children have learned to read using the jolly phonic system. These books are hardback so stay in good condition. They also go hand in hand with the work book set (worth buying at the same time). Price is very reasonable considering that reading is one of the best skills a child can have.

Great Learning Books!!, 03 Aug 2005
I am a big fan of these books. The series comes in a set of 7 books each with a small selection of different letters from the alphabet to learn. There are simple activities to do at the end of each book to round up what you have learnt. There are also cut out letter shapes to show little fingers the correct way to form each letter.
My 4 year old son has got on so well with these I was amazed. The actions that go with the sounds the letters make, (eg. pretend to puff out candles and say p,p,p,p. and Hold hand in front of mouth panting as if you are out of breath and say h,h,h,h.) turn this into a fun and memorable way of learning.
My son will be prepared for reading and spelling at school now and it's thanks to these books that he wants to learn. I would thoroughly recommend them.

EXCELLENT BOOK, 26 Oct 2008
ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK A GOOD FEW YEARS AGO. I USE IT ALL THE TIME IN BETWEEN MY CLASSES AT NIGHT SCHOOL AND ALWAYS REFER BACK TO IT WHEN WE MOVE TO DIFFERENT USES OF VERBS IN CLASS.
I DO THE EXERCISES IN A A4 SCRAP PAD THAT WAY THE BOOK CAN BE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN I CHECK THE ANSWERS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
I HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A GOOD FRIEND AND HE AND HIS CO WORKER THINK IT IS EXCELLENT.
PRONOUNS AND PREPOSITIONS .....COMPLETE SPANISH GRAMMAR ....AND SPANISH VOCABULARY ....ARE ALL VERY USEFUL BOOKS IN THE LEARNING RANGE ALSO.

Spanish Verbs, 15 Sep 2008
Excellent basic text on Spanish verbs. I refer to it time and time again, even after years of study.

Know Spanish Verbs Inside and Out!!!, 21 Jul 2008
This book on Spanish verb tenses is the best I've ever seen. In fact, it is probably the only book of its kind. I haven't seen any other books like this one, probably because it would be a waste of time for someone else to write a book like this.

The book first explains the present tense in great detail. It explains how the present tense is used in every possibleway. Although, it doesn't explain that the present tense is often used to convey a future action more often than the actual future is.

Richmond's explanation of the past tenses is also very good, but I didn't like how the imperfect and the preterit were explained. What I did like was how the author explains that the irregular preterit conjugations have predictable patterns.

The subjunctive is explained towards the end, which is one of the most difficult things to master in Spanish grammar. I didn't particularly care for the author's explanation of the subjunctive because it seems to be a "regurgitation" of how other books explain it.

All in all, this book is well worth its price. Every Spanish student (and teacher) should have a copy of "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses."

Brandon Simpson

This book is the best, 04 Jul 2008
I have read a few books on Spanish verb tenses and grammar, but this one has got to be the best of them all. If you read through this book step by step and do the written exercises as you proceed, you will understand verbs in no time at all.It is easy to follow and set out in a reader friendly way.

clear and practical help for the student of spanish, 08 Jun 2008
In support of the many enthusiastic reviews of this book, I must agree that this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand guides to spanish verbs avaialble. As a very keen student of spanish I have an extensive collection of relevant books, but the Practice Makes Perfect series are refreshingly easy and pleasant to use. The grammar is divided into distinct sections with plenty of explanations, examples and exercises for practice, as well as answers for checking. There are also exercises in the writing of short passages which incorporate the verb conjugations learnt and introduce much new and useful vocabulary. This is a very useful book, not only for learners who attend classes and who would like a little more clarification, but especially for those trying to teach themselves. The relatively large size of print and good layout also enhance the pleasure of using this book.

Success with languages, 04 Oct 2008
If this is an OU set book for your course, don't buy it. It just states the obvious and is a pretty dull book. If you have having problems learning the language then speak to your tutor. I bought it because it was a set book for my language course but it'll be in my paper recycling bin soon. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

Not Impressed, 03 Oct 2008
I guess that this book survives by being a set book with the OU. In reality its content is very thin and besides, if you wanted to learn a foreign language why would you want to waste time wading through 238 pages written in English when you could spend it learning a foreign language?

Nothing particularly interesting, 26 Sep 2008
I picked this up because I've been studying Spanish for quite a while, and wanted to revise my techniques as I wasn't making much progress.

I ended up fairly disappointed with this book. It's a description of fairly obviously study techniques, padded out with various other dull-ish text to make it into a decent size book.

I had been hoping for a list of interesting drills, or some novel techniques for giving me a bit of a leap forward in my learning, but as a Spanish student for the last 3/4 years, I got very little out of this.

The only person I could see it appealing to is someone who hasn't really done any study at an advanced level, (perhaps an early school leaver, trying to study later in life), and who needs to try and structure their learning.

However, if you're a couple of years into your studies, I would steer clear.

A Feast of Wordy Delights, 25 May 2007
Such a modest little book, but ignore the self effacing title - this is a real corker, jammed full of insights into our language. Always thought provoking, informative and entertaining, the book joyfully skips between the erudite and the everyday. The section on "muffin top" had me weeping fat tears of laughter on a crowded commuter train, while the chapter on madness provides a thought provoking exploration of the knots we tie ourselves into when discussing the issue and details the surprising clinical origins of terms like idiot and moron.

Unlike other books that claim to explore word histories, Balderdash & Piffle - One Sandwich Short of a Dog's Dinner is thoroughly researched and does not rely on spurious theories or folk etymologies, the real journeys that our words have taken are fascinating enough in their own right. And like the BBC series it accompanies, the thematic layout reveals how we reveal our greatest loves, fears and embarrassments through our language we use.

Packed with hilarious cartoons that fit the book's quirky style, this book would make a delightful present but you'll want a copy for yourself too. I highly recommend.


Perfect for your pre-schooler and beyond, 02 Apr 2008
I would happily recommend this set of books for even the youngest of children.

They are lovely and sturdy, with inset letter(s) on each page for your child to put their finger in and trace the shape, but most importantly they don't seem like an "educational" book to children! Even without focusing on the phonics element to the books, the pages are great fun to look at just for the pictures - there are recurring characters (eg a snake) which can be searched for on each page, and 2-4 pages at the rear of each book with exercises such as matching games, some with flaps to lift, which re-inforce the sounds covered in that book.

Because of these elements, my little girl (then aged 2) enjoyed looking at them just as much as my 4 year old son, who'd just started in reception class at school when I bought these 6 months ago to supplement his learning to read. My only wish is that I had bought them 2 years before when he was a pre-schooler, as it would have introduced the jolly phonics concepts that he is now learning at an earlier age.

Highly recommended to all.

Great Books, 12 Jan 2008
Both my children have learned to read using the jolly phonic system. These books are hardback so stay in good condition. They also go hand in hand with the work book set (worth buying at the same time). Price is very reasonable considering that reading is one of the best skills a child can have.

Great Learning Books!!, 03 Aug 2005
I am a big fan of these books. The series comes in a set of 7 books each with a small selection of different letters from the alphabet to learn. There are simple activities to do at the end of each book to round up what you have learnt. There are also cut out letter shapes to show little fingers the correct way to form each letter.
My 4 year old son has got on so well with these I was amazed. The actions that go with the sounds the letters make, (eg. pretend to puff out candles and say p,p,p,p. and Hold hand in front of mouth panting as if you are out of breath and say h,h,h,h.) turn this into a fun and memorable way of learning.
My son will be prepared for reading and spelling at school now and it's thanks to these books that he wants to learn. I would thoroughly recommend them.

Essential reading for any student of literacy or English, 30 Jul 2008
This book was essential reading for me during my literacy specialist tutor training, and two years later it is still in regular use. If you want to check your use of grammar, wonder what word is used for truanting in South Wales, or are puzzled as to what a morpheme is, the answers are here. It never let me down when I wanted to check something. Not the cheapest or most portable book there is, but definitely the best.

Essential, 17 Jan 2006
This book is essential for anyone studying language or linguistics at degree level. Crystal is the man when it comes to this subject and I'm sure this book and many more of his will be assisting me with the MA in Linguistics that I plan to pursue. It is books like this that have fed my enthusiasm for the English language and encouraged further study!

A bible, 06 Jan 2006
Superb! Must have for anybody interested in or studying English language, it is fascinating and has been my bible throughout my Alevel and now in to my degree. Really worth the money. David Crystal is an inspiration to Language users and students.

EXCELLENT but where to start?, 17 Jan 2000
A: At anypoint of interest .As a student of Linguistics and the English language at the University of Wales, Bangor, this is an invaluble book. As an introduction to the English language you'll find you can't put it down. Facts you never knew before from the history of the English language to English as a global language. For general reading, you'll discover a facinating insight to the language that we use every day without much consideration. Easy to pick up, impossible to put down.

A valuable tool for any student of the english language, 05 Jan 2000
Crystal's encyclopedia is well referenced and gives a good introduction - often more - into a wide range of issues relating to the development and use of language. An easily accessible and fascinating reference work.

EXCELLENT BOOK, 26 Oct 2008
ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK A GOOD FEW YEARS AGO. I USE IT ALL THE TIME IN BETWEEN MY CLASSES AT NIGHT SCHOOL AND ALWAYS REFER BACK TO IT WHEN WE MOVE TO DIFFERENT USES OF VERBS IN CLASS.
I DO THE EXERCISES IN A A4 SCRAP PAD THAT WAY THE BOOK CAN BE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN I CHECK THE ANSWERS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
I HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A GOOD FRIEND AND HE AND HIS CO WORKER THINK IT IS EXCELLENT.
PRONOUNS AND PREPOSITIONS .....COMPLETE SPANISH GRAMMAR ....AND SPANISH VOCABULARY ....ARE ALL VERY USEFUL BOOKS IN THE LEARNING RANGE ALSO.

Spanish Verbs, 15 Sep 2008
Excellent basic text on Spanish verbs. I refer to it time and time again, even after years of study.

Know Spanish Verbs Inside and Out!!!, 21 Jul 2008
This book on Spanish verb tenses is the best I've ever seen. In fact, it is probably the only book of its kind. I haven't seen any other books like this one, probably because it would be a waste of time for someone else to write a book like this.

The book first explains the present tense in great detail. It explains how the present tense is used in every possibleway. Although, it doesn't explain that the present tense is often used to convey a future action more often than the actual future is.

Richmond's explanation of the past tenses is also very good, but I didn't like how the imperfect and the preterit were explained. What I did like was how the author explains that the irregular preterit conjugations have predictable patterns.

The subjunctive is explained towards the end, which is one of the most difficult things to master in Spanish grammar. I didn't particularly care for the author's explanation of the subjunctive because it seems to be a "regurgitation" of how other books explain it.

All in all, this book is well worth its price. Every Spanish student (and teacher) should have a copy of "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses."

Brandon Simpson

This book is the best, 04 Jul 2008
I have read a few books on Spanish verb tenses and grammar, but this one has got to be the best of them all. If you read through this book step by step and do the written exercises as you proceed, you will understand verbs in no time at all.It is easy to follow and set out in a reader friendly way.

clear and practical help for the student of spanish, 08 Jun 2008
In support of the many enthusiastic reviews of this book, I must agree that this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand guides to spanish verbs avaialble. As a very keen student of spanish I have an extensive collection of relevant books, but the Practice Makes Perfect series are refreshingly easy and pleasant to use. The grammar is divided into distinct sections with plenty of explanations, examples and exercises for practice, as well as answers for checking. There are also exercises in the writing of short passages which incorporate the verb conjugations learnt and introduce much new and useful vocabulary. This is a very useful book, not only for learners who attend classes and who would like a little more clarification, but especially for those trying to teach themselves. The relatively large size of print and good layout also enhance the pleasure of using this book.

Success with languages, 04 Oct 2008
If this is an OU set book for your course, don't buy it. It just states the obvious and is a pretty dull book. If you have having problems learning the language then speak to your tutor. I bought it because it was a set book for my language course but it'll be in my paper recycling bin soon. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

Not Impressed, 03 Oct 2008
I guess that this book survives by being a set book with the OU. In reality its content is very thin and besides, if you wanted to learn a foreign language why would you want to waste time wading through 238 pages written in English when you could spend it learning a foreign language?

Nothing particularly interesting, 26 Sep 2008
I picked this up because I've been studying Spanish for quite a while, and wanted to revise my techniques as I wasn't making much progress.

I ended up fairly disappointed with this book. It's a description of fairly obviously study techniques, padded out with various other dull-ish text to make it into a decent size book.

I had been hoping for a list of interesting drills, or some novel techniques for giving me a bit of a leap forward in my learning, but as a Spanish student for the last 3/4 years, I got very little out of this.

The only person I could see it appealing to is someone who hasn't really done any study at an advanced level, (perhaps an early school leaver, trying to study later in life), and who needs to try and structure their learning.

However, if you're a couple of years into your studies, I would steer clear.

A Feast of Wordy Delights, 25 May 2007
Such a modest little book, but ignore the self effacing title - this is a real corker, jammed full of insights into our language. Always thought provoking, informative and entertaining, the book joyfully skips between the erudite and the everyday. The section on "muffin top" had me weeping fat tears of laughter on a crowded commuter train, while the chapter on madness provides a thought provoking exploration of the knots we tie ourselves into when discussing the issue and details the surprising clinical origins of terms like idiot and moron.

Unlike other books that claim to explore word histories, Balderdash & Piffle - One Sandwich Short of a Dog's Dinner is thoroughly researched and does not rely on spurious theories or folk etymologies, the real journeys that our words have taken are fascinating enough in their own right. And like the BBC series it accompanies, the thematic layout reveals how we reveal our greatest loves, fears and embarrassments through our language we use.

Packed with hilarious cartoons that fit the book's quirky style, this book would make a delightful present but you'll want a copy for yourself too. I highly recommend.


Perfect for your pre-schooler and beyond, 02 Apr 2008
I would happily recommend this set of books for even the youngest of children.

They are lovely and sturdy, with inset letter(s) on each page for your child to put their finger in and trace the shape, but most importantly they don't seem like an "educational" book to children! Even without focusing on the phonics element to the books, the pages are great fun to look at just for the pictures - there are recurring characters (eg a snake) which can be searched for on each page, and 2-4 pages at the rear of each book with exercises such as matching games, some with flaps to lift, which re-inforce the sounds covered in that book.

Because of these elements, my little girl (then aged 2) enjoyed looking at them just as much as my 4 year old son, who'd just started in reception class at school when I bought these 6 months ago to supplement his learning to read. My only wish is that I had bought them 2 years before when he was a pre-schooler, as it would have introduced the jolly phonics concepts that he is now learning at an earlier age.

Highly recommended to all.

Great Books, 12 Jan 2008
Both my children have learned to read using the jolly phonic system. These books are hardback so stay in good condition. They also go hand in hand with the work book set (worth buying at the same time). Price is very reasonable considering that reading is one of the best skills a child can have.

Great Learning Books!!, 03 Aug 2005
I am a big fan of these books. The series comes in a set of 7 books each with a small selection of different letters from the alphabet to learn. There are simple activities to do at the end of each book to round up what you have learnt. There are also cut out letter shapes to show little fingers the correct way to form each letter.
My 4 year old son has got on so well with these I was amazed. The actions that go with the sounds the letters make, (eg. pretend to puff out candles and say p,p,p,p. and Hold hand in front of mouth panting as if you are out of breath and say h,h,h,h.) turn this into a fun and memorable way of learning.
My son will be prepared for reading and spelling at school now and it's thanks to these books that he wants to learn. I would thoroughly recommend them.

Essential reading for any student of literacy or English, 30 Jul 2008
This book was essential reading for me during my literacy specialist tutor training, and two years later it is still in regular use. If you want to check your use of grammar, wonder what word is used for truanting in South Wales, or are puzzled as to what a morpheme is, the answers are here. It never let me down when I wanted to check something. Not the cheapest or most portable book there is, but definitely the best.

Essential, 17 Jan 2006
This book is essential for anyone studying language or linguistics at degree level. Crystal is the man when it comes to this subject and I'm sure this book and many more of his will be assisting me with the MA in Linguistics that I plan to pursue. It is books like this that have fed my enthusiasm for the English language and encouraged further study!

A bible, 06 Jan 2006
Superb! Must have for anybody interested in or studying English language, it is fascinating and has been my bible throughout my Alevel and now in to my degree. Really worth the money. David Crystal is an inspiration to Language users and students.

EXCELLENT but where to start?, 17 Jan 2000
A: At anypoint of interest .As a student of Linguistics and the English language at the University of Wales, Bangor, this is an invaluble book. As an introduction to the English language you'll find you can't put it down. Facts you never knew before from the history of the English language to English as a global language. For general reading, you'll discover a facinating insight to the language that we use every day without much consideration. Easy to pick up, impossible to put down.

A valuable tool for any student of the english language, 05 Jan 2000
Crystal's encyclopedia is well referenced and gives a good introduction - often more - into a wide range of issues relating to the development and use of language. An easily accessible and fascinating reference work.

Good But More Needed, 04 Jul 2008
I disagree with most of the adverse comments,as I found the book very funny. But it could have done with being about double the length.

Ditchwater's not as dull as this..., 15 May 2008

Like another reviewer wrote, I too had higher hopes for this book than it actually delivers.

The title "She literally Exploded", subtitle "Infuriating Phrasebook" and associated blurb led me to believe this little book was going to be about generally humorous expressions of speech where people unwittingly say (upon closer analysis) pretty absurd things.

My personal favourite (which is not cited in this book) is the often heard; "it's always the last place you look." WELL, OF COURSE IT IS! Once you find something, you're not going to keep looking for it!

Or pet-hate; the age-old betrayer of a lazy attitude, "better the devil you know" - if what you know you already know to be a 'devil', change it, you might end up with an angel! (The worst that can happen is you end up with a different devil. So change that one too).

Or how about "getting out of bed on the wrong side" used as though it's a legitimate explanation for rudeness!

Once you get started, it's not too difficult to start making a list of odd expressions, but the authors couldn't be bothered doing this. In fact, the majority of 'phrases' are not phrases at all but single word entries and even these are not humorous.

This unfunny word compilation (the best of the actual phrases are already scattered around this page) is most likely to receive support from friends and colleagues of the authors. Everyone else, infuriatingly, may literally end up exploding.


Nice bookshelf addition, 15 Feb 2008
For me this little book was a pleasure and I got more out of it than some other reviewers appear to have done. I smiled lots, nodded sagely in places and even laughed out loud once or twice.
Some of my favourite 'infuriating phrases' are here, including train conductors who tautologically inform you of 'the next station stop' where you must remember to take your 'personal belongings'; also, people who say 'My bad' when they think they've made a mistake (what are you, a Californian Valley Girl from 1995!?). Or waiters who command 'Enjoy' before you start your meal.
Sure, many of the phrases aren't actually INFURIATING; they're also mildly irritating and just plain wrong. Which is the case with the title, She Literally Exploded (which, incidentally, I don't think is a very good title because it implies that the book is more about improper rather than infuriating use of language - see instead Private Eye's Colemanballs books which have whole sections on dunderheads using the word 'literally' incorrectly).
In summary, an enjoyable book, one to browse by the fireside around Christmas time. Pity it's now February but never mind.

Style guide, 16 Sep 2007
This pocket-sized, stocking-filler format book aims to highlight annoying or nonsensical phrases used repeatedly in the media or conversation. I had high hopes for it, in the wake of Lynne Truss's "Eats, Shoots and Leaves".

Unfortunately, it is let down by its own pedancy. For example, I don't see anything wrong in saying, "His trademark red sweater", rather than "His habitual red sweater". And in such a short book there isn't any need to provide cross references, yet there are dozens of them, weighing down the fun quota.

I'm a fan of Matt but there aren't nearly enough of his illustrations to lift the tone: one cartoon per phrase would have been a lot better. Overall, a missed opportunity.



I laughed at the time, but now I watch what I say..., 09 Jul 2007
I couldn't help laughing at some of the hundreds of ridiculous phrases listed here that we're all tempted to use, such as, "First invented by. The second inventor is deservedly less well known." Other phrases are treated in a more pointed way, somewhat in the manner of Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary: "Quality time. Something to spend with a spouse or children. An excuse for depriving them of the quantity of time they are due. Leftover food is not yet called quality food."

She Literally Exploded (a brilliant title) costs the same, on Amazon at least, as a couple of pints and gave me considerably more pleasure. I'm also a fan of Matt Pritchett's always inventive cartoons and he's on good form illustrating infuriating phrases from "Bear with me" to "Skills gap".

An entertaining and fun present to get for anyone.

EXCELLENT BOOK, 26 Oct 2008
ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK A GOOD FEW YEARS AGO. I USE IT ALL THE TIME IN BETWEEN MY CLASSES AT NIGHT SCHOOL AND ALWAYS REFER BACK TO IT WHEN WE MOVE TO DIFFERENT USES OF VERBS IN CLASS.
I DO THE EXERCISES IN A A4 SCRAP PAD THAT WAY THE BOOK CAN BE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN I CHECK THE ANSWERS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
I HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A GOOD FRIEND AND HE AND HIS CO WORKER THINK IT IS EXCELLENT.
PRONOUNS AND PREPOSITIONS .....COMPLETE SPANISH GRAMMAR ....AND SPANISH VOCABULARY ....ARE ALL VERY USEFUL BOOKS IN THE LEARNING RANGE ALSO.

Spanish Verbs, 15 Sep 2008
Excellent basic text on Spanish verbs. I refer to it time and time again, even after years of study.

Know Spanish Verbs Inside and Out!!!, 21 Jul 2008
This book on Spanish verb tenses is the best I've ever seen. In fact, it is probably the only book of its kind. I haven't seen any other books like this one, probably because it would be a waste of time for someone else to write a book like this.

The book first explains the present tense in great detail. It explains how the present tense is used in every possibleway. Although, it doesn't explain that the present tense is often used to convey a future action more often than the actual future is.

Richmond's explanation of the past tenses is also very good, but I didn't like how the imperfect and the preterit were explained. What I did like was how the author explains that the irregular preterit conjugations have predictable patterns.

The subjunctive is explained towards the end, which is one of the most difficult things to master in Spanish grammar. I didn't particularly care for the author's explanation of the subjunctive because it seems to be a "regurgitation" of how other books explain it.

All in all, this book is well worth its price. Every Spanish student (and teacher) should have a copy of "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses."

Brandon Simpson

This book is the best, 04 Jul 2008
I have read a few books on Spanish verb tenses and grammar, but this one has got to be the best of them all. If you read through this book step by step and do the written exercises as you proceed, you will understand verbs in no time at all.It is easy to follow and set out in a reader friendly way.

clear and practical help for the student of spanish, 08 Jun 2008
In support of the many enthusiastic reviews of this book, I must agree that this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand guides to spanish verbs avaialble. As a very keen student of spanish I have an extensive collection of relevant books, but the Practice Makes Perfect series are refreshingly easy and pleasant to use. The grammar is divided into distinct sections with plenty of explanations, examples and exercises for practice, as well as answers for checking. There are also exercises in the writing of short passages which incorporate the verb conjugations learnt and introduce much new and useful vocabulary. This is a very useful book, not only for learners who attend classes and who would like a little more clarification, but especially for those trying to teach themselves. The relatively large size of print and good layout also enhance the pleasure of using this book.

Success with languages, 04 Oct 2008
If this is an OU set book for your course, don't buy it. It just states the obvious and is a pretty dull book. If you have having problems learning the language then speak to your tutor. I bought it because it was a set book for my language course but it'll be in my paper recycling bin soon. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

Not Impressed, 03 Oct 2008
I guess that this book survives by being a set book with the OU. In reality its content is very thin and besides, if you wanted to learn a foreign language why would you want to waste time wading through 238 pages written in English when you could spend it learning a foreign language?

Nothing particularly interesting, 26 Sep 2008
I picked this up because I've been studying Spanish for quite a while, and wanted to revise my techniques as I wasn't making much progress.

I ended up fairly disappointed with this book. It's a description of fairly obviously study techniques, padded out with various other dull-ish text to make it into a decent size book.

I had been hoping for a list of interesting drills, or some novel techniques for giving me a bit of a leap forward in my learning, but as a Spanish student for the last 3/4 years, I got very little out of this.

The only person I could see it appealing to is someone who hasn't really done any study at an advanced level, (perhaps an early school leaver, trying to study later in life), and who needs to try and structure their learning.

However, if you're a couple of years into your studies, I would steer clear.

A Feast of Wordy Delights, 25 May 2007
Such a modest little book, but ignore the self effacing title - this is a real corker, jammed full of insights into our language. Always thought provoking, informative and entertaining, the book joyfully skips between the erudite and the everyday. The section on "muffin top" had me weeping fat tears of laughter on a crowded commuter train, while the chapter on madness provides a thought provoking exploration of the knots we tie ourselves into when discussing the issue and details the surprising clinical origins of terms like idiot and moron.

Unlike other books that claim to explore word histories, Balderdash & Piffle - One Sandwich Short of a Dog's Dinner is thoroughly researched and does not rely on spurious theories or folk etymologies, the real journeys that our words have taken are fascinating enough in their own right. And like the BBC series it accompanies, the thematic layout reveals how we reveal our greatest loves, fears and embarrassments through our language we use.

Packed with hilarious cartoons that fit the book's quirky style, this book would make a delightful present but you'll want a copy for yourself too. I highly recommend.


Perfect for your pre-schooler and beyond, 02 Apr 2008
I would happily recommend this set of books for even the youngest of children.

They are lovely and sturdy, with inset letter(s) on each page for your child to put their finger in and trace the shape, but most importantly they don't seem like an "educational" book to children! Even without focusing on the phonics element to the books, the pages are great fun to look at just for the pictures - there are recurring characters (eg a snake) which can be searched for on each page, and 2-4 pages at the rear of each book with exercises such as matching games, some with flaps to lift, which re-inforce the sounds covered in that book.

Because of these elements, my little girl (then aged 2) enjoyed looking at them just as much as my 4 year old son, who'd just started in reception class at school when I bought these 6 months ago to supplement his learning to read. My only wish is that I had bought them 2 years before when he was a pre-schooler, as it would have introduced the jolly phonics concepts that he is now learning at an earlier age.

Highly recommended to all.

Great Books, 12 Jan 2008
Both my children have learned to read using the jolly phonic system. These books are hardback so stay in good condition. They also go hand in hand with the work book set (worth buying at the same time). Price is very reasonable considering that reading is one of the best skills a child can have.

Great Learning Books!!, 03 Aug 2005
I am a big fan of these books. The series comes in a set of 7 books each with a small selection of different letters from the alphabet to learn. There are simple activities to do at the end of each book to round up what you have learnt. There are also cut out letter shapes to show little fingers the correct way to form each letter.
My 4 year old son has got on so well with these I was amazed. The actions that go with the sounds the letters make, (eg. pretend to puff out candles and say p,p,p,p. and Hold hand in front of mouth panting as if you are out of breath and say h,h,h,h.) turn this into a fun and memorable way of learning.
My son will be prepared for reading and spelling at school now and it's thanks to these books that he wants to learn. I would thoroughly recommend them.

Essential reading for any student of literacy or English, 30 Jul 2008
This book was essential reading for me during my literacy specialist tutor training, and two years later it is still in regular use. If you want to check your use of grammar, wonder what word is used for truanting in South Wales, or are puzzled as to what a morpheme is, the answers are here. It never let me down when I wanted to check something. Not the cheapest or most portable book there is, but definitely the best.

Essential, 17 Jan 2006
This book is essential for anyone studying language or linguistics at degree level. Crystal is the man when it comes to this subject and I'm sure this book and many more of his will be assisting me with the MA in Linguistics that I plan to pursue. It is books like this that have fed my enthusiasm for the English language and encouraged further study!

A bible, 06 Jan 2006
Superb! Must have for anybody interested in or studying English language, it is fascinating and has been my bible throughout my Alevel and now in to my degree. Really worth the money. David Crystal is an inspiration to Language users and students.

EXCELLENT but where to start?, 17 Jan 2000
A: At anypoint of interest .As a student of Linguistics and the English language at the University of Wales, Bangor, this is an invaluble book. As an introduction to the English language you'll find you can't put it down. Facts you never knew before from the history of the English language to English as a global language. For general reading, you'll discover a facinating insight to the language that we use every day without much consideration. Easy to pick up, impossible to put down.

A valuable tool for any student of the english language, 05 Jan 2000
Crystal's encyclopedia is well referenced and gives a good introduction - often more - into a wide range of issues relating to the development and use of language. An easily accessible and fascinating reference work.

Good But More Needed, 04 Jul 2008
I disagree with most of the adverse comments,as I found the book very funny. But it could have done with being about double the length.

Ditchwater's not as dull as this..., 15 May 2008

Like another reviewer wrote, I too had higher hopes for this book than it actually delivers.

The title "She literally Exploded", subtitle "Infuriating Phrasebook" and associated blurb led me to believe this little book was going to be about generally humorous expressions of speech where people unwittingly say (upon closer analysis) pretty absurd things.

My personal favourite (which is not cited in this book) is the often heard; "it's always the last place you look." WELL, OF COURSE IT IS! Once you find something, you're not going to keep looking for it!

Or pet-hate; the age-old betrayer of a lazy attitude, "better the devil you know" - if what you know you already know to be a 'devil', change it, you might end up with an angel! (The worst that can happen is you end up with a different devil. So change that one too).

Or how about "getting out of bed on the wrong side" used as though it's a legitimate explanation for rudeness!

Once you get started, it's not too difficult to start making a list of odd expressions, but the authors couldn't be bothered doing this. In fact, the majority of 'phrases' are not phrases at all but single word entries and even these are not humorous.

This unfunny word compilation (the best of the actual phrases are already scattered around this page) is most likely to receive support from friends and colleagues of the authors. Everyone else, infuriatingly, may literally end up exploding.


Nice bookshelf addition, 15 Feb 2008
For me this little book was a pleasure and I got more out of it than some other reviewers appear to have done. I smiled lots, nodded sagely in places and even laughed out loud once or twice.
Some of my favourite 'infuriating phrases' are here, including train conductors who tautologically inform you of 'the next station stop' where you must remember to take your 'personal belongings'; also, people who say 'My bad' when they think they've made a mistake (what are you, a Californian Valley Girl from 1995!?). Or waiters who command 'Enjoy' before you start your meal.
Sure, many of the phrases aren't actually INFURIATING; they're also mildly irritating and just plain wrong. Which is the case with the title, She Literally Exploded (which, incidentally, I don't think is a very good title because it implies that the book is more about improper rather than infuriating use of language - see instead Private Eye's Colemanballs books which have whole sections on dunderheads using the word 'literally' incorrectly).
In summary, an enjoyable book, one to browse by the fireside around Christmas time. Pity it's now February but never mind.

Style guide, 16 Sep 2007
This pocket-sized, stocking-filler format book aims to highlight annoying or nonsensical phrases used repeatedly in the media or conversation. I had high hopes for it, in the wake of Lynne Truss's "Eats, Shoots and Leaves".

Unfortunately, it is let down by its own pedancy. For example, I don't see anything wrong in saying, "His trademark red sweater", rather than "His habitual red sweater". And in such a short book there isn't any need to provide cross references, yet there are dozens of them, weighing down the fun quota.

I'm a fan of Matt but there aren't nearly enough of his illustrations to lift the tone: one cartoon per phrase would have been a lot better. Overall, a missed opportunity.



I laughed at the time, but now I watch what I say..., 09 Jul 2007
I couldn't help laughing at some of the hundreds of ridiculous phrases listed here that we're all tempted to use, such as, "First invented by. The second inventor is deservedly less well known." Other phrases are treated in a more pointed way, somewhat in the manner of Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary: "Quality time. Something to spend with a spouse or children. An excuse for depriving them of the quantity of time they are due. Leftover food is not yet called quality food."

She Literally Exploded (a brilliant title) costs the same, on Amazon at least, as a couple of pints and gave me considerably more pleasure. I'm also a fan of Matt Pritchett's always inventive cartoons and he's on good form illustrating infuriating phrases from "Bear with me" to "Skills gap".

An entertaining and fun present to get for anyone.

Contradictions aplenty, 09 Jan 2008
Every chapter contradicts the last. It seems to be a mess of platitudes, no new ideas and, I'm sorry to say, a waste of time reading.

Unaccustomed as I am ..., 02 Nov 2002
An excellent book. My dad would be first to admit he isn't a naturally gifted public speaker and he gets a bit nervous at times. But after reading this book, he a fantastic job for me on my Big Day! He was so relaxed and he got the balance between humour and seriousness spot on. I can't recommend this book too highly ... it's brilliant!

This book is a must for every 'father of the bride', 02 Nov 2002
An excellent book. My dad would be first to admit that he isn't a naturally gifted public speaker and he's a bit nervous at times. But after reading this book he did a brilliant job for me on my Big Day! He was so relaxed and he got the balance between humour and seriousness spot on. I can't recommend this book too highly ... it's brilliant!

A must for every Dad about to give away his daughter!, 23 Oct 2000
As a bride-to-be, I want to be sure that my big day goes as smoothly as possible. I can try to control most things, but the speeches are out of my hands. I have bought this book to help my Dad not to embarrass himself or me, well, not too much! Making the Father of the Bride's Speech is easy to read and full of practical advice. The author writes clearly about the different stages of the speech and includes helpful ideas as well as examples of jokes, quotes and how to be sensitive without being sloppy. This book is a must for any Dad about to give away his daughter, especially if he's not used to public speaking, or just totally overwhelmed about the do's and don't's of making a wedding speech.

EXCELLENT BOOK, 26 Oct 2008
ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK A GOOD FEW YEARS AGO. I USE IT ALL THE TIME IN BETWEEN MY CLASSES AT NIGHT SCHOOL AND ALWAYS REFER BACK TO IT WHEN WE MOVE TO DIFFERENT USES OF VERBS IN CLASS.
I DO THE EXERCISES IN A A4 SCRAP PAD THAT WAY THE BOOK CAN BE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THEN I CHECK THE ANSWERS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK.
I HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR A GOOD FRIEND AND HE AND HIS CO WORKER THINK IT IS EXCELLENT.
PRONOUNS AND PREPOSITIONS .....COMPLETE SPANISH GRAMMAR ....AND SPANISH VOCABULARY ....ARE ALL VERY USEFUL BOOKS IN THE LEARNING RANGE ALSO.

Spanish Verbs, 15 Sep 2008
Excellent basic text on Spanish verbs. I refer to it time and time again, even after years of study.

Know Spanish Verbs Inside and Out!!!, 21 Jul 2008
This book on Spanish verb tenses is the best I've ever seen. In fact, it is probably the only book of its kind. I haven't seen any other books like this one, probably because it would be a waste of time for someone else to write a book like this.

The book first explains the present tense in great detail. It explains how the present tense is used in every possibleway. Although, it doesn't explain that the present tense is often used to convey a future action more often than the actual future is.

Richmond's explanation of the past tenses is also very good, but I didn't like how the imperfect and the preterit were explained. What I did like was how the author explains that the irregular preterit conjugations have predictable patterns.

The subjunctive is explained towards the end, which is one of the most difficult things to master in Spanish grammar. I didn't particularly care for the author's explanation of the subjunctive because it seems to be a "regurgitation" of how other books explain it.

All in all, this book is well worth its price. Every Spanish student (and teacher) should have a copy of "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses."

Brandon Simpson

This book is the best, 04 Jul 2008
I have read a few books on Spanish verb tenses and grammar, but this one has got to be the best of them all. If you read through this book step by step and do the written exercises as you proceed, you will understand verbs in no time at all.It is easy to follow and set out in a reader friendly way.

clear and practical help for the student of spanish, 08 Jun 2008
In support of the many enthusiastic reviews of this book, I must agree that this is one of the clearest and easiest to understand guides to spanish verbs avaialble. As a very keen student of spanish I have an extensive collection of relevant books, but the Practice Makes Perfect series are refreshingly easy and pleasant to use. The grammar is divided into distinct sections with plenty of explanations, examples and exercises for practice, as well as answers for checking. There are also exercises in the writing of short passages which incorporate the verb conjugations learnt and introduce much new and useful vocabulary. This is a very useful book, not only for learners who attend classes and who would like a little more clarification, but especially for those trying to teach themselves. The relatively large size of print and good layout also enhance the pleasure of using this book.

Success with languages, 04 Oct 2008
If this is an OU set book for your course, don't buy it. It just states the obvious and is a pretty dull book. If you have having problems learning the language then speak to your tutor. I bought it because it was a set book for my language course but it'll be in my paper recycling bin soon. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

Not Impressed, 03 Oct 2008
I guess that this book survives by being a set book with the OU. In reality its content is very thin and besides, if you wanted to learn a foreign language why would you want to waste time wading through 238 pages written in English when you could spend it learning a foreign language?

Nothing particularly interesting, 26 Sep 2008
I picked this up because I've been studying Spanish for quite a while, and wanted to revise my techniques as I wasn't making much progress.

I ended up fairly disappointed with this book. It's a description of fairly obviously study techniques, padded out with various other dull-ish text to make it into a decent size book.

I had been hoping for a list of interesting drills, or some novel techniques for giving me a bit of a leap forward in my learning, but as a Spanish student for the last 3/4 years, I got very little out of this.

The only person I could see it appealing to is someone who hasn't really done any study at an advanced level, (perhaps an early school leaver, trying to study later in life), and who needs to try and structure their learning.

However, if you're a couple of years into your studies, I would steer clear.

A Feast of Wordy Delights, 25 May 2007
Such a modest little book, but ignore the self effacing title - this is a real corker, jammed full of insights into our language. Always thought provoking, informative and entertaining, the book joyfully skips between the erudite and the everyday. The section on "muffin top" had me weeping fat tears of laughter on a crowded commuter train, while the chapter on madness provides a thought provoking exploration of the knots we tie ourselves into when discussing the issue and details the surprising clinical origins of terms like idiot and moron.

Unlike other books that claim to explore word histories, Balderdash & Piffle - One Sandwich Short of a Dog's Dinner is thoroughly researched and does not rely on spurious theories or folk etymologies, the real journeys that our words have taken are fascinating enough in their own right. And like the BBC series it accompanies, the thematic layout reveals how we reveal our greatest loves, fears and embarrassments through our language we use.

Packed with hilarious cartoons that fit the book's quirky style, this book would make a delightful present but you'll want a copy for yourself too. I highly recommend.


Perfect for your pre-schooler and beyond, 02 Apr 2008
I would happily recommend this set of books for even the youngest of children.

They are lovely and sturdy, with inset letter(s) on each page for your child to put their finger in and trace the shape, but most importantly they don't seem like an "educational" book to children! Even without focusing on the phonics element to the books, the pages are great fun to look at just for the pictures - there are recurring characters (eg a snake) which can be searched for on each page, and 2-4 pages at the rear of each book with exercises such as matching games, some with flaps to lift, which re-inforce the sounds covered in that book.

Because of these elements, my little girl (then aged 2) enjoyed looking at them just as much as my 4 year old son, who'd just started in reception class at school when I bought these 6 months ago to supplement his learning to read. My only wish is that I had bought them 2 years before when he was a pre-schooler, as it would have introduced the jolly phonics concepts that he is now learning at an earlier age.

Highly recommended to all.

Great Books, 12 Jan 2008
Both my children have learned to read using the jolly phonic system. These books are hardback so stay in good condition. They also go hand in hand with the work book set (worth buying at the same time). Price is very reasonable considering that reading is one of the best skills a child can have.

Great Learning Books!!, 03 Aug 2005
I am a big fan of these books. The series comes in a set of 7 books each with a small selection of different letters from the alphabet to learn. There are simple activities to do at the end of each book to round up what you have learnt. There are also cut out letter shapes to show little fingers the correct way to form each letter.
My 4 year old son has got on so well with these I was amazed. The actions that go with the sounds the letters make, (eg. pretend to puff out candles and say p,p,p,p. and Hold hand in front of mouth panting as if you are out of breath and say h,h,h,h.) turn this into a fun and memorable way of learning.
My son will be prepared for reading and spelling at school now and it's thanks to these books that he wants to learn. I would thoroughly recommend them.

Essential reading for any student of literacy or English, 30 Jul 2008
This book was essential reading for me during my literacy specialist tutor training, and two years later it is still in regular use. If you want to check your use of grammar, wonder what word is used for truanting in South Wales, or are puzzled as to what a morpheme is, the answers are here. It never let me down when I wanted to check something. Not the cheapest or most portable book there is, but definitely the best.

Essential, 17 Jan 2006
This book is essential for anyone studying language or linguistics at degree level. Crystal is the man when it comes to this subject and I'm sure this book and many more of his will be assisting me with the MA in Linguistics that I plan to pursue. It is books like this that have fed my enthusiasm for the English language and encouraged further study!

A bible, 06 Jan 2006
Superb! Must have for anybody interested in or studying English language, it is fascinating and has been my bible throughout my Alevel and now in to my degree. Really worth the money. David Crystal is an inspiration to Language users and students.

EXCELLENT but where to start?, 17 Jan 2000
A: At anypoint of interest .As a student of Linguistics and the English language at the University of Wales, Bangor, this is an invaluble book. As an introduction to the English language you'll find you can't put it down. Facts you never knew before from the history of the English language to English as a global language. For general reading, you'll discover a facinating insight to the language that we use every day without much consideration. Easy to pick up, impossible to put down.

A valuable tool for any student of the english language, 05 Jan 2000
Crystal's encyclopedia is well referenced and gives a good introduction - often more - into a wide range of issues relating to the development and use of language. An easily accessible and fascinating reference work.

Good But More Needed, 04 Jul 2008
I disagree with most of the adverse comments,as I found the book very funny. But it could have done with being about double the length.

Ditchwater's not as dull as this..., 15 May 2008

Like another reviewer wrote, I too had higher hopes for this book than it actually delivers.

The title "She literally Exploded", subtitle "Infuriating Phrasebook" and associated blurb led me to believe this little book was going to be about generally humorous expressions of speech where people unwittingly say (upon closer analysis) pretty absurd things.

My personal favourite (which is not cited in this book) is the often heard; "it's always the last place you look." WELL, OF COURSE IT IS! Once you find something, you're not going to keep looking for it!

Or pet-hate; the age-old betrayer of a lazy attitude, "better the devil you know" - if what you know you already know to be a 'devil', change it, you might end up with an angel! (The worst that can happen is you end up with a different devil. So change that one too).

Or how about "getting out of bed on the wrong side" used as though it's a legitimate explanation for rudeness!

Once you get started, it's not too difficult to start making a list of odd expressions, but the authors couldn't be bothered doing this. In fact, the majority of 'phrases' are not phrases at all but single word entries and even these are not humorous.

This unfunny word compilation (the best of the actual phrases are already scattered around this page) is most likely to receive support from friends and colleagues of the authors. Everyone else, infuriatingly, may literally end up exploding.


Nice bookshelf addition, 15 Feb 2008
For me this little book was a pleasure and I got more out of it than some other reviewers appear to have done. I smiled lots, nodded sagely in places and even laughed out loud once or twice.
Some of my favourite 'infuriating phrases' are here, including train conductors who tautologically inform you of 'the next station stop' where you must remember to take your 'personal belongings'; also, people who say 'My bad' when they think they've made a mistake (what are you, a Californian Valley Girl from 1995!?). Or waiters who command 'Enjoy' before you start your meal.
Sure, many of the phrases aren't actually INFURIATING; they're also mildly irritating and just plain wrong. Which is the case with the title, She Literally Exploded (which, incidentally, I don't think is a very good title because it implies that the book is more about improper rather than infuriating use of language - see instead Private Eye's Colemanballs books which have whole sections on dunderheads using the word 'literally' incorrectly).
In summary, an enjoyable book, one to browse by the fireside around Christmas time. Pity it's now February but never mind.

Style guide, 16 Sep 2007
This pocket-sized, stocking-filler format book aims to highlight annoying or nonsensical phrases used repeatedly in the media or conversation. I had high hopes for it, in the wake of Lynne Truss's "Eats, Shoots and Leaves".

Unfortunately, it is let down by its own pedancy. For example, I don't see anything wrong in saying, "His trademark red sweater", rather than "His habitual red sweater". And in such a short book there isn't any need to provide cross references, yet there are dozens of them, weighing down the fun quota.

I'm a fan of Matt but there aren't nearly enough of his illustrations to lift the tone: one cartoon per phrase would have been a lot better. Overall, a missed opportunity.



I laughed at the time, but now I watch what I say..., 09 Jul 2007
I couldn't help laughing at some of the hundreds of ridiculous phrases listed here that we're all tempted to use, such as, "First invented by. The second inventor is deservedly less well known." Other phrases are treated in a more pointed way, somewhat in the manner of Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary: "Quality time. Something to spend with a spouse or children. An excuse for depriving them of the quantity of time they are due. Leftover food is not yet called quality food."

She Literally Exploded (a brilliant title) costs the same, on Amazon at least, as a couple of pints and gave me considerably more pleasure. I'm also a fan of Matt Pritchett's always inventive cartoons and he's on good form illustrating infuriating phrases from "Bear with me" to "Skills gap".

An entertaining and fun present to get for anyone.

Contradictions aplenty, 09 Jan 2008
Every chapter contradicts the last. It seems to be a mess of platitudes, no new ideas and, I'm sorry to say, a waste of time reading.

Unaccustomed as I am ..., 02 Nov 2002
An excellent book. My dad would be first to admit he isn't a naturally gifted public speaker and he gets a bit nervous at times. But after reading this book, he a fantastic job for me on my Big Day! He was so relaxed and he got the balance between humour and seriousness spot on. I can't recommend this book too highly ... it's brilliant!

This book is a must for every 'father of the bride', 02 Nov 2002
An excellent book. My dad would be first to admit that he isn't a naturally gifted public speaker and he's a bit nervous at times. But after reading this book he did a brilliant job for me on my Big Day! He was so relaxed and he got the balance between humour and seriousness spot on. I can't recommend this book too highly ... it's brilliant!

A must for every Dad about to give away his daughter!, 23 Oct 2000
As a bride-to-be, I want to be sure that my big day goes as smoothly as possible. I can try to control most things, but the speeches are out of my hands. I have bought this book to help my Dad not to embarrass himself or me, well, not too much! Making the Father of the Bride's Speech is easy to read and full of practical advice. The author writes clearly about the different stages of the speech and includes helpful ideas as well as examples of jokes, quotes and how to be sensitive without being sloppy. This book is a must for any Dad about to give away his daughter, especially if he's not used to public speaking, or just totally overwhelmed about the do's and don't's of making a wedding speech.

Cool . . . . but wrong, 10 Dec 2007
I first read this book ten years ago when I started teaching English in various parts of the world. I thought it a wonder. We are hard-wired for grammar; it must be true. My students in Europe, Asia and the Middle-East begged to differ.

Now I'm studying for an MA in Linguistics and I beg to differ too.

Still, I think you should read this book; it's a fine piece of propaganda. Then read Jean Aitchison's 'The Articulate Mammal'; Reith lecturer, Oxford prof and so forth. Not so cool . . . but right.


The Bookselling Instinct, 25 Oct 2007
Begin with a title that asserts the conclusion.

Start the book by aligning the author with Chomsky in postulating an innate, universal grammar capacity. The language instinct is indeed already a done deal.

Be guided carefully through selected cases that either seem to confirm the existence of a language instinct or selected cases to discount arguments to the contary.

So do you think we have a language instinct? If so, you are ready for the next sell, the reasoning instinct. And the list of 40 or so other innate capabilities that we all may have.

And we might find the very genes that make this possible. These instincts and genes fortunately don't seem to enslave us (as being conditionable would). They make us free and creative beings. Sound like a great payoff, right?

See how how the mind creates language? By instinct. Not just any instinct, an instinct based on genes. It's all clear now, isn't it? Too deep? If not, you're ready for the actual conclusion: we all have the same mind. So, Pinker affirms, even if you can't understand a New Guinea tribesperson, you can feel comfortable as you listen to him/her that the universal grammar is at work.

We are free and we are all one. Now you don't have to go back to the ancient Greeks or earlier to get that warm message of unity.

Skinner and behaviorism get no creditin this book despite some promising steps by behaviorists with language, such as helping autistic children to speak. It seems hard to deny we have some great capacities and it seems hard to deny that we can be conditioned - being able to be conditioned seems one of our great capacities. Pinker says we are have the same mind, but in this book excludes behaviorist contribution, so I wonder what kind of sameness he has in "mind".

No one should accept this book as adequate. I expect from his credentials and his excellent writing that the author could do a lot better. A science needs to do a lot more than appeal to "instinct", "mind". "freedom" and "oneness". It certainly may seem good to acknowledge we are amazing beings: you may feel warm and cozy when you finish this book, but ask yourself how you can apply what was presented in this book. Move past feeling wonderful about the structure of language and consider how language functions - as B.F. Skinner did in "Verbal Behavior", a less accessible but more useful and scientific try at understanding what we are doing with language.

When we seem not to have many useful answers, it's dangerous to write as if it's all clear. Don't be lulled by Pinker. If you read this book, ask yourself honestly: "Do I understand now how the mind creates language? Can I even see whether the mind creates language?" But first be sure to thank your mother and father for helping you to say "Momma" and "Dada" meaningfully.

First Year Psychology, 08 Sep 2006
I picked this up for a piece of coursework on nature vs nurture in language development. It was perfect! I liked it so much that I bought my own copy and have read it since just because I wanted to find out more. Some sections are pretty heavy, but in general the book is pretty readable. Definately a little gem.

Good to read..., 19 May 2006
...even if you are not studying for a course related to linguistics. Pinker's writing is informative and a delight to read. He doesn't use too much in the way of jargon and keeps things simple which helps if you're entering this area with no experience. Highly recommended.

Read it, but read it critically, 02 Oct 2005
Addressing as it does issues of cognition, language usage and acquisition, evolutionary biology and innate versus learned behaviour, this work is relevant to many of the great intellectual debates of our time. It is very readable for the most part, although if some of the topics are new to you then you will find a few sections rather heavy going. More illustrations would have helped here. There are syntax structure diagrams and one very grudging, cursory sketch of the language centers of the brain, but many sections cry out for a diagram among all the verbiage.

Pinker's lively, humorous style is often commented on but I sometimes found it wearing. He will illustrate a point with an amusing newspaper cutting, then list a few more, then add "I could not resist some more..." and so on. I sometimes wished he would just get on with it.

A major problem with his nativist approach is that many examples he lists of usages that English speakers would never employ are nothing of the kind. Most of them are conceivable and since the first publication of this book, linguists have been busy recording them in the field. The thesis also becomes somewhat unravelled in the penultimate chapter, where he argues that 'you and I' and 'you and me' are equally correct in all circumstances, because 'the pronoun is free to have any case it wants'. But if this is so then what has become of the innate awareness of correct usage that the whole theory is about? If 'between you and I' sounds instinctively wrong to me and 'between you and me' sounds instinctively wrong to someone else, does that mean one of us has a mutant grammar gene? I doubt it.

The title itself is problematic. 'Instinct' is not a word much in favour among biologists nowadays and whatever language is, it is certainly not instinctive in the traditional sense. Early in the book, Pinker admits as much, but determines to use the word anyway, a use that owes more to marketing than to science.

Still, this is probably the best introductory linguist