Introduction

The introduction of the book sets forth the author’s basic premise: that all varieties of American English are orderly and rule governed, and that, despite their differences, they are mutually intelligible because they share the same blueprint. That is, the floor plan—where the walls and essential systems are located—are the same for all varieties. Differences in American English varieties largely arise from where, within communities, speakers agree to put the furniture. No variety is inherently “better” or “more correct” than any other: the context of communication dictates which variety is the “best” one to use in that context . This book will provide students with a set of concepts and terminology so that they can talk about the structure of sentences, variations in sentence structure, and why one sentence structure might be better than another for allowing a speaker or writer to achieve their communicative goals. It will also emphasize three approaches to grammar: form, function, and meaning. The introduction continues with a summary of the content of the book and concludes with some guidance for students and instructors on how to use the exercises at the end of each chapter.