This book is an introductory textbook on modern Standard English grammar, intended mainly for undergraduates, in English departments and schools of educa­ tion as well as linguistics departments. (See www.cambridge.org/0521612888 for a link to the associated web site, where additional information can be found.) Though it takes note of developments in linguistics over the past few decades, and assumes a thorough knowledge of English, it does not presuppose any previous study of gram­ mar or other aspects of linguistics.