Customer Reviews
Worth Buying if Limitations Understood - By: Jonathan D. Stubbs, 02 Sep 2006 
I use this bookin my work as an English as a second language teacher. It is one of several books I use.
Basically it is a set of grammar rules along with exercises. I find it valuable as it helps students to learn basic English language concepts. There are concise summaries of different parts of the language (e.g. prepositions, verbs, plurals, etc.) students can read. These are followed by exercises students can use to practice what they've read. For this, it is one of the best I've found (and I've spent a lot of hoursin bookstores looking over material).
Teachers & students who use this book might want to keepin mind that it is datedin places & culturally biased. For example the exercise "The Right Wordin the Right Place" uses idioms & fails to identify them as such. The General Knowledge exercise has 259 questions & should be revised - many questions are of the type that require a knowledge of English culture if one is to answer them successfully. To be effectivein communicatingin English I don't think such knowledge is essential (e.g., does the average student need to know the name for a clergyman's house?).
The English language has many versions - all valid. Everyone needs to understand that there is no one right way. Being consistentin one's own grammar & spelling is about the most that can be strived for. For example, according to Brysonin "Mother Tongue" it's OK to end a sentencein a preposition - the rule that you can't was created by one person & then perpetuated by successive waves of misinformed English teachers.
I recommend the purchase of this book. However, anyone who uses it for learning English will need helpin interpreting some of the dated & biased language.
The best companion you may ever need! - By: P. Chambers, 03 Jun 2006 
I was schooled on this bookin the Caribbean some 30 years ago. It enhances learning, is very easy to understand & is definitely the perfect companion for any student over 5 years old. This book is a good investment for parents & teachers.
A classic text - By: , 12 Feb 2006 Like other reviewers, I was schooled on this book - what a great foundation for a primary education. I am fortunate enough to have a thorough command of the conventions & 'rights & wrongs' of written & spoken English, & that I ascribein no small measure to the surprisingly comprehensive & pertinent information packed into this book. Suitable for students of all ages.
The First Aid in English - By: , 30 Nov 2001 My first throes with the preliminary academics of the English language happened when I was about 5 years of age. Mother insisted that I study off "The First Aidin English" - I obviously returned menacing looks! Since then, I have referred to this book a million & one times when writing reports, articles, & short stories. I think it is a "must have" for anyone who wants to learn English well. Enjoy!
First Aid in English - brilliant, so don't trip up! - By: , 20 Jan 2001 First Aidin English books have been around for years - I've got copies of the other versions (from about the 70s onwards), & I thought it necessary to buy an up-to-date version to help me with my reports (I am studying media). The book exceeded my expectations, & it is VITAL for anyone studying at school, or any parents who want to help their children. At such a low price, why haven't you got one already?!
