The Functional Analysis of English, Second Edition provides a basic introduction to systemic-functional linguistics in the context of English. It presents the principles of a Hallidayan approach to language studies and introduces, in an explanatory way, a set of techniques for the grammatical analysis of English.

The book includes an overview of the applications of functional grammar to show the practical importance of linguistic theory and analysis in relation to issues in education and society. It finishes by explaining the place of Halliday and his school in the history of linguistics. It can be used either as a stand-alone text or in combination with Halliday's An Introduction to Functional Grammar. Linguistic terms are clearly explained and illustrated with authentic examples from a wide variety of sources including scientific and technical texts. The Functional Analysis of English, Second Edition will be suitable for anyone approaching Hallidayan linguistics for the first time, particularly English language teachers.