Modern English Structures is a clear and accessible text that follows a structural approach to teaching basic English grammar. The book is divided into three parts: what a sentence constituent is, what a sentence constituent does, and where a sentence constituent goes—Form, Function, and Position. The objective of the book is to bring students to a better understanding of sentence constituents and sentence structures, providing them with appropriate terminology to discuss these forms and relationships. This second edition has been revised and updated throughout.

The accompanying Modern English Structures Workbook parallels the text and provides useful training both in memorization and in higher-order thinking skills.

Bernard O'Dwyer's profile page

Bernard O’Dwyer is a Professor of English at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

“Modern English Structures is far superior to any other grammar text I have used in my grammar class. Approaching English grammar from a trinocular perspective, through Form, Function, and Position, Bernard O’Dwyer manages to account for many abstract grammar concepts in a way that is truly enlightening for students and teachers alike. The wealth of well-chosen examples and the lucidity of his account put this text in a class of its own.” — Hyo-Chang Hong, Marshall University

“What a terrific book and workbook, the best I’ve seen and I’ve been reviewing university-level grammar texts for years. The text is intelligent, accessible, and clear, with sophisticated exercises that do not condescend to my advanced students. I’m really impressed.” — Katy Rehyansky, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga