A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language

A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language, authored by Randolph Quirk, Sidney Greenbaum, Geoffrey Leech, and Jan Svartvik, stands as a monumental work in English linguistics. Published in 1985 by Longman, this 1,779-page volume offers an exhaustive descriptive analysis of English grammar, integrating insights from corpus linguistics, syntactic theory, and semantic research.

The grammar is grounded in empirical data drawn from three major corpora: the Survey of English Usage, the Lancaster-Oslo-Bergen Corpus, and the Brown Corpus. This corpus-based approach ensures that the descriptions are reflective of actual language use, providing a realistic portrayal of English grammar across various contexts.

Divided into 19 chapters, the book covers a wide array of topics, including:

• Parts of speech and their functions
• Sentence structure and clause types
• Coordination and subordination
• Complementation and ellipsis
• Information packaging and discourse functions

While the grammar has been lauded for its thoroughness and scholarly rigor, it has also faced criticism. Notably, linguist Rodney Huddleston published a critical review in 1988, highlighting areas where the analysis lacked clarity and consistency. Despite these critiques, the work remains a foundational reference for linguists and scholars seeking an in-depth understanding of English grammar.

In summary, A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language offers a detailed and empirical account of English grammar, making it an indispensable resource for advanced students, researchers, and educators in the field of linguistics.