20 Best English Grammar Books: Practice Made Easier
English has, undoubtedly, become one of the international languages. This means more and more people are making an effort to learn English. How quickly a person can learn English also depends on their choice of some of the best English grammar books.
While the first three factors are sometimes out of our control, we still have plenty of choices regarding the preferred English grammar book. Some other factors include: how close their native language is to English, what their motivation for learning a new language, how much time they can spend on learning each day, etc.
Today, we brought you a list of 20 top English grammar books that will significantly aid you in the learning process. Some of the books we feature on our list will make a good fit for experienced English learners, while others will greatly help beginners.
Top 20 best English grammar books
Learning English is a never-ending process. But don’t freight! It simply means that English is a very flexible and evolving language, expanding and growing alongside people.
Even native speakers seek grammar books to improve their writing and conversational skills. With that being said, most of the books that we’re featuring on our list will be helpful for those who are learning English as a second language.
English as a Second Language (ESL) is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as:
“The teaching of English to speakers of other languages who live in a country where English is an official or important language”
Here are 20 best books on English grammar for learners that we’re going to be discussing today:
#1The English Grammar Workbook for Adults
Description: The English Grammar Workbook for Adults is a highly recommended grammar book for ESL students. The book’s main selling point is that it’s easy to understand, featuring engaging exercises and real-life examples that help you memorize new information quickly.
This book will be an excellent fit for those who have a basic understanding of English and want to advance their skill level. The English Grammar Workbook for Adults covers essential topics like nouns, verbs, tenses, etc., progressing to more advanced skills like creative writing.
#2The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
Description: The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation is known to be one of the most comprehensive grammar books, featuring easy-to-understand exercises, dozens of quizzes and tests, as well as tasks that help readers memorize major rules and subtle guidelines of English grammar.
This book makes self-assessment and self-learning a focal point, focusing on “just the facts” of English grammar and punctuation. It would ideally suit middle and high schoolers, college students, ESL students, homeschoolers, and other types of English students who make an effort to learn this language.
#3English Grammar in Use
Description: English Grammar in Use was written by the legendary Raymond Murphy. His numerous titles and handbooks proved to be one of the most effective ways to pick up English grammar as a self-learner. The methodology of his books is considered to be a staple in English academic literature.
English Grammar in Use is the first choice for many learners who want to reach an intermediate level. This book features concise explanations and practical exercises that are needed for students at this level. It’s a handy textbook for self-learners, as well as for teachers who want to use this book for supplementary or homework activities.
#4Complete English Grammar Rules
Description: Complete English Grammar Rules book undoubtedly lives up to its name, as it is one of the most significant and extensive English grammar books you will find.
It covers practically everything you will need as a self-learner or a teacher, from common grammar mistakes and punctuation to more advanced topics and quizzes that help you retain the information you’ve learned.
The authors of this book claim that it is an all-inclusive solution for learning the basics and intricacies of the English language. Complete English Grammar Rules is one of the best handbooks for those who want a comprehensive approach to mastering their language skills.
#5The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide
Description: The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide is among the top learning books on English grammar since it focuses specifically on dissecting and explaining the rules of English sentences. Most teachers would tell you that learning past, present, perfect, and all of the other tenses is a complex subject for many ESL students.
Recognizing the complexity of this topic, The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide covers 12 key tenses of the English language in an understandable and flexible manner. You can pick up this book as a supplementary source of information or as a complete self-study guide to improve your grammar.
#6A Practical English Grammar
Description: A Practical English Grammar is a classic and best English grammar book that was first published in 1986 and was later re-released multiple times to keep information up to date. It became a staple for intermediate students who want to keep improving their skills. It also serves as a great source of material for teachers of middle and high school, as well as college-level learners.
In a way, A Practical English Grammar became an example of a grammar textbook that later inspired some of the best books for studying grammar. You can still pick it up at the store or a library since it has multiple updated editions that would fit modern learners.
#7Intermediate English Grammar
Description: Intermediate English Grammar is a fun and exciting grammar book for English students. The interesting thing about it is that the left-hand side of the book features valuable presentations. In contrast, the right-hand side is full of practical and straightforward exercises that are meant to help you retain information.
This is a top-notch grammar book for English that would make an excellent fit for intermediate and more advanced ESL students, as well as teachers who want to use it as additional study material.
#8The Perfect English Grammar Workbook
Description: The Perfect English Grammar Workbook is among the best grammar books for English. While it’s not necessarily a good fit for beginners, it’s still a detailed and extensive grammar book for those who want to improve their skills and go beyond an intermediate level.
The Perfect English Grammar Workbook is famous for its classroom-style lessons, covering topics from punctuation and prepositions to adverbs in straightforward exercises. Once you’ve completed a lesson, you can check your progress with comprehensive end-of-chapter quizzes.
#9Garner's Modern English Usage
Description: Garner’s Modern English Usage is the biggest grammar book on our list and can rightfully be called a masterbook of everything one can and must know about English usage. It is written in an understandable and witty manner while still tackling very complex nuances of English vocabulary and grammar.
Garner’s Modern English Usage is definitely a more advanced book on grammar and would be the best fit for aspiring writers and college teachers who want to make their speech more persuasive and native. With 1120 pages, it covers every area of modern usage of English a student can possibly need to master the language.
#10Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English
Description: Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English is regarded as the best English grammar book that helps you learn English in an almost scientific manner. The writers took their time to analyze the usage of modern written and spoken English to come up with efficient exercises that are based on empirical evidence.
With Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English, you can master your language skills quickly as it approaches learning by leveraging real-life examples. That way, you can retain information more effectively since you will remember how specific rules play out in real-life conversations.
#11ESL Intermediate/Advanced Grammar
Description: ESL Intermediate/Advanced Grammar is, as the name of the book implies, a self-study book on vocabulary and grammar for intermediate and advanced non-native English learners. It is considered one of the most inclusive books on grammar.
ESL Intermediate/Advanced Grammar takes a comprehensive approach, acting as a single source of information with skill-building exercises, detailed answer keys, and test-taking techniques. It recognizes the difficulty of learning a new language by yourself, so it’s written in a way that encourages students to pick up the book and practice their skills every day.
#12Grammar for English Language Teachers
Description: Grammar for English Language Teachers is a tailor-made handbook for teachers and trainees that acts as an ideal reference guide. Being one of the highest-rated books on English grammar, it is praised by many teachers who are developing their teaching systems.
Grammar for English Language Teachers provides practical ideas for planning lessons and shows how to give clear and concise explanations. It’s a perfect fit for teachers who are looking for guidance on how to transfer complex information to students in an understandable way.
#13Oxford Modern English Grammar
Description: Oxford Modern English Grammar is a valuable handbook for learning the basics and more complex areas of English grammar. Being written by Oxford University’s leading expert in the field, this book covers the use of authentic spoken and written English with practical, real-life examples.
Oxford Modern English Grammar is aimed at an audience with an intermediate level of English. This book is a practical and valuable source of information about the depth of English grammar. It would fit undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as anyone with an interest in improving their grammar skills.
#14Woe Is I
Description: Woe Is I is a legendary English grammar book that stole the hearts of many students worldwide. The captivating thing about this grammar book is how humorously and jargon-free it’s written. The writer of this book believes that English is an ever-shifting language, and guidebooks must be written taking that into account.
Woe Is I is hailed as one of the top English books an advanced ESL learner can find. With this book, you will learn how the usage of an array of words has evolved, explained in a down-to-earth language. The book is written in an engaging way with the reader in mind.
#15Advanced Grammar in Use with Answers
Description: Advanced Grammar in Use with Answers is one of the bestselling grammar books for advanced learners who want to perfect their writing and communication skills. Being a self-study book, it features clear and concise explanations of intricate grammar and vocabulary rules.
Advanced Grammar in Use with Answers engages seasoned English students with exciting and practical exercises that are aimed to help the reader retain information better. It’s also a great fit for teachers who want to use this book as supplementary material for students.
#16English for Everyone
Description: English for Everyone is a self-study book for teenagers and adults who are beginning their journey of learning the English language. It’s written in an easy-to-follow format, featuring a variety of exciting exercises and practical examples that will expand your understanding of grammar and punctuation.
English for Everyone is suitable for students who are looking for comprehensive and structured material to begin learning English by themselves. It can also serve as classroom material for teachers who need to explain complex topics in a simple manner.
#17Basic English Grammar For Dummies
Description: Basic English Grammar For Dummies is a book that covers the very basics of English grammar for those who are just getting started in learning the language. The book provides easy-to-follow explanations that help beginner ESL students recognize and avoid common mistakes.
Basic English Grammar For Dummies is full of guidance on how to structure sentences to make yourself easily understood in written or spoken conversations. This book will also help you expand your vocabulary with fun and engaging exercises, tests, quizzes, and more!
#18The English Grammar Workbook for Grades 6, 7, and 8
Description: The English Grammar Workbook for Grades 6, 7, and 8 is a fantastic book for students of the sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade curriculum. This book covers a basic understanding of grammar concepts and demonstrates how to use it accurately when writing or speaking.
It’s a great book to add to the teaching material for middle school students to help them get their heads around complex rules. It features many exciting exercises, tests, quizzes, and much more to encourage young students to study reasonably.
#19Practical English Usage
Description: Practical English Usage is a large and comprehensive workbook on the practical usage of modern English. With an Oxford University Press, it serves as an academic literature for beginner ESL students who want to take a serious approach to learning English.
Most of the English grammar books cover selected points of vocabulary, idioms, style, pronunciation, and spelling. Practical English Usage does a perfect job of being a classroom educational material with clear and reliable information that addresses the common pain points of mastering the language skill.
#20Understanding and Using English Grammar
Description: Understanding and Using English Grammar is among the top materials for beginners. It became a go-to grammar resource for students and teachers alike as it also comes with a unique mobile application to make learning and retaining information more efficient.
Understanding and Using English Grammar features many intricate and methodical exercises, grammar charts, and informational materials that are explicitly aimed at a beginner audience. The easy-to-follow structure of this book makes it a deserving candidate for learning English.
Why you should read English grammar books
Grammar books with simple, accessible, educational information are like magic wands. They are an efficient way to enrich your vocabulary since workbooks use information in context.
With real-life examples and exercises, you can quickly memorize words from the book instead of mechanically finding and learning them from the dictionary. Grammar books will also help you figure out articles, tenses, and preposition rules as you study the theoretical part.
In addition, the visual memory works well when reading. You remember how words are spelled by reading them. Reading books also dramatically helps with concentrating on the information in front of your eyes without being distracted by external stimuli.
The more information you retain, the sooner you will notice how your speech becomes more native. You memorize examples from exercises and use them in everyday life, work, study, etc. You will breathe a sigh of relief when you’ve gone through the material and finally understood it.
Essentially, selecting the best English grammar book and diving deep into learning theory is one of the greatest ways to fix knowledge of grammar. Additionally, we recommend taking your time to watch some of the best movies for learning English to put your knowledge to practice.
Criteria for choosing the best English grammar book
Educational books are not one size fits all. To determine the perfect English grammar book, you have to take several important factors into account. Here are the steps you must take when choosing a grammar book:
Step 1: Determine at what level you are at the moment.
There are several English levels:
- Elementary.
- Intermediate.
- Advanced.
You can take an English language proficiency test that is available online to assess your current level. Remember that the information in grammar books differs based on the objectives and a student’s learning goals, so choose wisely.
Step 2: Formulate your learning objective.
Every English student has their own goals they want to achieve with a grammar book. There are many different goals students try to accomplish, like:
- Enriching vocabulary for creative writing.
- Mastering business English for professional use.
- Being able to read foreign fiction, journalism, and scientific literature.
Establishing the right objectives will reveal what type of textbook you will require. On the bright side, all of the books on English grammar include engaging exercises and tests that make learning English more fun and exciting.
Step 3: Decide what topics you want the grammar book to cover.
The topics within books on English grammar can vary significantly. Determine what scope of information you want to learn, such as:
- Articles.
- Tenses.
- Punctuation.
- Etc.
While most grammar books touch on various grammar subjects, some focus on specific areas more than others, so keep that in mind when making a decision.
Step 4: Decide what your primary and additional resources are in mastering the language.
For example, you memorize information by ear and want to work on your pronunciation, improve or develop listening skills, etc. Then, you should choose among the best English grammar books, which include audio recordings.
Step 5: Take self-testing into consideration as your last deciding factor.
If you’re going to be studying by yourself, then choose grammar books that contain tests with answers in the back. That way, you ensure you retain accurate information.
It’s best to pick up a book in the library and see if it meets your requirements. Otherwise, you should focus on reading synopsis’ and testimonials from other students.
How to study with an English grammar book
Learners are always eager to get right into studying since they want to speed up the process of building skills. The speed at which a person learns English varies greatly. In theory, a beginner can learn English in a span of a year if they study at least 5 hours a day. In reality, everyone’s advancements will be different.
With that being said, picking up the best English grammar book is only half the task. The other is knowing how to put your learning efforts into actual progress. We have collected some tips and general advice on how you can study more efficiently and improve your progress considerably.
- Find material that suits your learning style. With such a variety of learning materials, students are able to pick books that appeal to them. Some people prefer books that are made for self-study and focus on delivering information using real-life examples. Others enjoy more creative ways to memorize information.
- Look up things you don’t understand. Even when choosing a book that is appropriate to your English level, you may encounter rules or phrases you don’t understand. In that case, don’t be afraid to look them up. The best self-study books have practical answers in the back of the book. This allows learners to ensure they retain accurate information.
- Take notes of things that piqued your interest. Noting is a superb tool when learning a language. It allows you to review interesting things from the material at any point in your journey. You can also take notes of things you want to look up later, combining the exercises.
- Practice what you have learned. Practice makes perfect, so be sure to put new information into practice once you’ve learned it. It’s also a great idea to make native English-speaking friends. Having casual conversations with natives can make a massive impact on how efficiently you memorize and practice your knowledge.
- Leverage other resources to study English. In the age of the internet, many resources are available to you to learn a language. You can take time daily to listen to podcasts, read blogs, and follow social media accounts sharing valuable information. Lately, mobile applications for learning English have also gained popularity since they feature engaging exercises and lessons that make learning a new language fun.
Final thoughts
Finding the right book to assess you in learning English can be tricky. However, it’s hard to deny the value of a good handbook since the demand for self-study materials and the sheer number of ESL students have only increased in recent years.
In this article, we took a detailed look at 20 of the best English grammar books. The books featured on our list vary by complexity, purpose, and target audiences, so we hope our suggestions push you in the right direction of finding a book that will suit your language needs the most. Don’t forget to practice what you learn each day to improve your skills!
After all, the only way to learn English is by putting daily effort into your journey to the goal.
