Maurice Grevisse (1895–1980)

Je viens, après des années de loyaux services de jeter sa jaquette trop abîmée, et il se présente maintenant dans une belle robe toilée vert clair. On a tout dit sur le caractère indispensable du Grevisse. À noter cependant une propension à l'indécision qui prend à contre-pied le prétendu cartésianisme des Français. Déconseillé aux hésitants – et aussi aux gens pressés, car on se perd facilement dans ses méandres. À noter qu'il offre l'un des indexs les plus mal foutus de tous les ouvrages usuels et de documentation… (més)

"Le Grevisse"--short for Le bon usage (etc.) by Maurice Grevisse (1895-1980)--is by far the single most authoritative French grammar.

Throughout his life already, Mr. Grevisse became a living legend--his knowledge of French grammar being unparalleled. People even could write to him, as they did indeed, for his final verdict on the most difficult questions concerning French grammar, and got returned his answer.

I do not think "Le Grevisse" is for beginners. Rather it is for advanced learners of French as well as for native speakers with a hang for the profoundest knowledge of french grammar throughout its very finest particularities (and exceptions!). Le Grevisse has them all.

"Grevisse says" is unmatched. Whatever rare or exceptional phrasing one encounters or is using, if Grevisse--i.e.: his "Le bon usage"--says it is OK, you are safe, for then it is.

For several generations already, even the best French writers will want and keep their Grevisse at hands. Because: "C'est la meilleure grammaire française." -- André Gide.… (més)