Part 1 is a complete practical learner's grammar with 28 sections, covering all the structural points that cause problems for learners.

Part 2 is a guide to vocabulary problems covering:
- rules for word formation and spelling
- a survey of high-priority vocabulary areas
- an A-Z guide to over 250 common word problems

The 600+ entries provide answers to the questions that learners typically ask, for example:
- use of tenses
- the truth about conditionals
- article problems
- singular they
- get as a passive auxiliary
- bring or take?
- can, could, may ormight?
- classic or classical?
- the language of emails
- rules for word formation and spelling

Plus:
- the grammar of speech and formal writing
- British-American differences
- questions of style and idiom
- changes in English
- politeness
- avoiding offensive language
- a survey of high-priority vocabulary areas
- a guide to over 250 common vocabulary problems
- lists of learners' most commonmistakes