David Brodsky – författare

It's time for a new approach to learning French verbs. Unlike popular verb guides that require the rote memorization of hundreds of verb forms, this book clearly explains the rules that govern the conjugation of all classes of French verbs-especially the irregular ones that give second-language learners the most trouble. These straightforward, easy-to-understand rules for conjugating French verbs are effective learning tools for both beginning students and more advanced speakers who want to perfect their usage of French verb forms.French Verbs Made Simple(r) has many helpful features that you won't find in any other verb guide:Clear explanations of all verb tenses and forms.The simple patterns and rules that govern the conjugation of all verbs-including those verbs whose irregularities follow patterns that can be easily learned.A detailed discussion of how each verb form is used, with numerous examples.A full explanation of whether a verb should be conjugated with avoir or Être, and the conditions under which the past participle is variable-two of the thorniest problems for students of French.An extended treatment of the subjunctive that will help you understand why it is used in some situations but not others.Complete conjugations for 57 basic model verbs (along with 27 "variants") and a comprehensive listing of some 6,200 verbs that indicates which of the models each verb follows.Going well beyond any other guide in the clarity and detail of its explanations-as well as the innovative manner in which individual verbs are linked to model conjugations-French Verbs Made Simple(r) is the only guide to French verbs a learner needs.

Unlike other vocabulary guides that require the rote memorization of literally thousands of words, this book starts from the premise that using the etymological connections between Spanish and English words-their common derivations from Latin, Greek, and other languages-is the most effective way to acquire and remember vocabulary. This approach is suitable for beginners as well as for advanced students. Teachers of the language will also find much material that can be used to help motivate their students to acquire, and retain, Spanish vocabulary. Spanish Vocabulary is divided into four parts and four annexes: Part I provides background material on the origins of Spanish and begins the process of presenting Spanish vocabulary. Part II presents "classical" Spanish vocabulary-words whose form (in both Spanish and English) is nearly unchanged from Latin and Greek. Part III deals with "popular" Spanish vocabulary, which underwent significant changes in form (and often meaning) during the evolution from Latin to Spanish. A number of linguistic patterns are identified that will help learners recognize and remember new vocabulary. Part IV treats a wide range of themes, including words of Germanic and Arabic origin, numbers, time, food and animals, the family, the body, and politics. Annex A: Principal exceptions to the "Simplified Gender Rule" Annex B: 700 words whose relations, if any, to English words are not immediately obvious Annex C: -cer verbs and related words Annex D: 4,500 additional words, either individually or in groups, with English correspondences