The most popular choice is “English Grammar in Use” by Raymond Murphy, followed by “Advanced Grammar in Use”, “Oxford Practice Grammar”, and ” Essential Grammar in Use”, which many students and teachers consider the best grammar book for learners.
This guide examines the top grammar books available, their unique features, target audiences, and practical applications to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll explore what makes an exceptional grammar book, review the top 10 titles currently available, provide detailed analyses of each recommendation, and offer practical guidance on selecting the perfect resource for your specific learning needs.
Note: These rankings are based on user reviews and ratings from Amazon.
Top 10 Best Grammar Books To Improve English
These carefully selected titles represent the finest grammar resources available, each offering distinct approaches to mastering English grammar fundamentals and advanced concepts.
| No | Name | Author | Price | Level | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Grammar in Use | Raymond Murphy | £15 | Intermediate | 4.6/5 |
| 2 | Advanced Grammar in Use | Martin Hewings | £16-£26 | Advanced | 4.5/5 |
| 3 | Oxford Practice Grammar | Coe, Harrison& Paterson | £15 | Various | 4.4/5 |
| 4 | Essential Grammar in Use | Raymond Murphy | £25 | Beginner | 4.7/5 |
| 5 | Practical English Usage | Michael Swan | £40-£47 | Advanced | 4.3/5 |
| 6 | Cambridge Grammar for IELTS | Hopkins & Cullen | £19 | Intermediate | 4.4/5 |
| 7 | Grammarway Series | Evans & Dooley | £15-£25 per level | Various | 4.5/5 |
| 8 | Round-Up Series | Virginia Evans | £24 | Various | 4.3/5 |
| 9 | Language Practice Advanced | Michael Vince | £25-35 | Advanced | 4.2/5 |
| 10 | Longman Grammar Practice | Multiple Authors | £18-28 | Various | 4.1/5 |
Each book offers unique strengths and methodologies, making them suitable for different learning preferences, proficiency levels, and specific grammatical challenges that learners commonly encounter.
1. English Grammar in Use
“English Grammar in Use” (Fifth Edition) is a complete grammar reference featuring 145 units with clear explanations and practical exercises. Despite being marketed for intermediate learners, it’s suitable for advanced students.
Each unit spans two pages: left-hand explanations with right-hand exercises. The book is organized by grammar topics rather than difficulty levels, making it ideal as a classroom supplement. The book includes appendices, a study guide, and an answer key for effective grammar learning.
Key Features
- Clear visual explanations with practical examples
- Self-study format with answer keys included
- 145 units covering essential intermediate grammar
- Left-page explanations, right-page practice exercises format
- Suitable for independent learning and classroom use
2. Advanced Grammar in Use
“Advanced Grammar in Use” targets high-level learners with detailed coverage of complex grammatical structures and sophisticated language patterns. The book features detailed explanations of challenging grammar points, making it perfect for CAE and CPE exam preparation.
Extra practice exercises are included at the back for additional reinforcement, with cross-referenced units enabling focused study on specific advanced topics and systematic skill development.
Key Features
- Complete coverage of complex grammatical structures
- Detailed explanations of advanced grammar points
- Perfect for CAE and CPE exam preparation
- Cross-referenced units for easy navigation
- Includes CD-ROM with additional exercises
3. Oxford Practice Grammar
“Oxford Practice Grammar” offers a three-level series covering basic to advanced grammar with refreshed design and integrated assessment tools. Authors vary by level to ensure appropriate content tailoring for different proficiency stages.
The series includes downloadable progress tests for monitoring advancement, supported by colorful illustrations and interactive CD-ROM exercises for enhanced learning. Teacher’s resource materials provide additional support and guidance in the classroom.
Key Features
- Three-level series covering basic to advanced grammar
- Integrated tests for progress monitoring
- Colourful illustrations enhance understanding
- CD-ROM included with interactive exercises
- Teacher’s resource materials are available
4. Essential Grammar in Use
“Essential Grammar in Use” serves as the perfect starting point for elementary learners worldwide, trusted by millions of teachers and students. This edition uses simple language and clear visual aids across 114 units covering basic grammar structures essential for foundation learning.
A supplementary exercises book provides additional practice beyond the core content for thorough skill development and reinforcement of fundamental concepts.
Key Features
- Designed specifically for elementary learners
- Simple language and clear visual aids
- 114 units covering basic grammar structures
- Supplementary exercises book available
- Perfect starting point for beginners
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5. Practical English Usage
“Practical English Usage” functions as a detailed reference covering over 600 grammar points organized alphabetically for quick access. It addresses common errors, style conventions, politeness markers, and evolving English usage patterns across different contexts.
The book includes both British and American English variations with detailed explanations, making it an invaluable resource for advanced learners, teachers, and professionals seeking authoritative guidance on complex usage issues.
Key Features
- Detailed reference covering 600+ grammar points
- Alphabetical organisation for quick reference
- Focuses on common errors and difficulties
- Ideal for teachers and advanced students
- Includes British and American English variations
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6. Cambridge Grammar for IELTS
“Cambridge Grammar for IELTS” combines targeted grammar instruction with specific exam strategies for both Academic and General Training modules. The book includes audio materials for listening practice, model responses, and practice exercises that mirror actual IELTS test formats and timing.
Progress tests and sample answers help candidates prepare effectively for the examination while building confidence in grammar application under test conditions.
Key Features
- IELTS-specific grammar focus and practice
- Audio materials for listening components
- Academic and General Training modules covered
- Sample answers and model responses included
- Progress tests mirror the actual IELTS format
7. Grammarway Series
“Grammarway Series” presents grammar across four progressive levels using engaging visuals and colorful layouts that appeal to diverse learning styles. Suitable for both young learners and adults, the series systematically introduces grammar points through attractive illustrations and clear explanations.
Each level builds upon previous knowledge with a structured progression, supported by detailed teacher resources for effective classroom implementation and independent study support.
Key Features
- Four levels from beginner to upper-intermediate
- Colourful illustrations and engaging layouts
- Systematic presentation of grammar points
- Suitable for young learners and adults
- Detailed teacher’s resources available
8. Round-Up Series
“Round-Up Series” integrates grammar learning with vocabulary development across six detailed levels from beginner to advanced proficiency. The series employs engaging activities, games, and interactive exercises to maintain learner interest and motivation throughout the learning process.
Progress charts enable effective self-assessment and monitoring of improvement, while the included CD-ROM provides interactive exercises for detailed skill development and reinforced practice across all language areas.
Key Features
- Six levels from beginner to advanced
- Grammar and vocabulary integration
- Engaging activities and games included
- CD-ROM with interactive exercises
- Progress charts for self-assessment
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9. Language Practice Advanced
“Language Practice Advanced” focuses on high-level exam preparation, specifically designed for candidates taking the Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency tests. The book emphasizes error analysis and correction exercises to refine advanced grammar skills and eliminate common mistakes.
Detailed answer keys with detailed explanations support independent study and self-correction, making it ideal for serious candidates preparing for CAE and CPE examinations who require intensive practice and thorough understanding.
Key Features
- Advanced grammar structures and usage
- Examination-focused practice materials
- Detailed answer key with explanations
- Suitable for CAE and CPE preparation
- Error analysis and correction exercises
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10. Longman Grammar Practice
“Longman Grammar Practice” supports systematic grammar progression through multiple carefully structured levels designed for both classroom instruction and independent study. The series builds learner confidence and competence with clear explanations, extensive practice exercises, and practical examples that reinforce understanding.
Each level provides detailed coverage suitable for structured learning environments, ensuring steady skill development and mastery across all proficiency levels from beginner to advanced.
- Systematic grammar progression
- Clear explanations and examples
- Extensive practice exercises
- Suitable for classroom instruction
- Multiple levels available
When considering digital grammar assistance alongside traditional learning, understanding the differences between Grammarly’s free and premium features can help learners make informed decisions about supplementing their studies.
How to Pick the Best Grammar Book?
Here’s what you should check while picking up a grammar book to make the most out of it:
- Level Appropriateness: Choose books matching your current proficiency level to avoid frustration or inadequate challenge.
- Learning Style Compatibility: Select resources featuring visual aids, audio components, or text-based explanations matching your preferred learning approach.
- Purpose-Specific Content: Determine whether you need exam preparation, conversation skills, writing improvement, or general grammar knowledge enhancement.
- Exercise Availability: Ensure adequate practice opportunities through detailed exercises, answer keys, and supplementary materials for skill reinforcement.
- Reference vs Practice: Decide between detailed reference books for quick consultation or practice-focused workbooks for systematic skill development.
- Digital Security Considerations: If you plan to use online grammar tools alongside your books, it’s worth understanding if Grammarly is safe to protect your writing and personal information.
What’s The Best Way To Learn English Grammar?
Here is what you should do to learn English grammar in a very effective way to boost your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills:
- Combine theoretical knowledge with practical application through varied exercises.
- Use grammar in context rather than memorising isolated rules
- Practice regularly with short, focused study sessions
- Apply learned grammar in speaking and writing activities
- Seek feedback from teachers or native speakers
What Is The Best Method To Teach Grammar?
Follow these suggestions to teach grammar in the most effective way:
- Present grammar in meaningful contexts rather than isolation
- Use inductive methods, allowing students to discover patterns
- Provide controlled practice before free production activities
- Integrate grammar with other language skills naturally
- Give immediate feedback and error correction opportunities
Do Grammar Books Really Help?
Grammar books help improve vocabulary and remove basic language barriers by:
- Offer systematic progression from basic to advanced concepts
- Provide detailed reference materials for quick consultation
- Include structured exercises for skill reinforcement and practice
- Enable self-directed learning at personalised paces
- Support classroom instruction with additional practice opportunities
Grammar books provide structured learning pathways, systematic skill development, and detailed reference materials, though effectiveness depends on consistent usage and practical application.
Suggested Reads:
Conclusion: English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy Stands As The Definitive Choice
The research presented demonstrates that Raymond Murphy’s “English Grammar in Use” consistently receives the highest ratings among intermediate learners, while specialized resources, such as “Cambridge Grammar for IELTS,” excel in exam preparation contexts.
The evidence shows that effective grammar learning requires matching resources to individual needs, learning styles, and specific goals.
The pricing information indicates that quality grammar instruction typically ranges from £12 to £ 45 per book, representing a worthwhile investment in language development.
Teachers can enhance instruction by selecting resources that align with their students’ proficiency levels and learning objectives.
FAQs
Grammar and vocabulary should be learned simultaneously, as they complement each other.
Begin with basic sentence structure, including subjects, verbs, and objects, as these are the foundation for all other grammatical concepts and constructions.
English has 12 main tenses, consisting of four aspects (simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous) across three time periods (past, present, and future), although usage varies contextually.
Finnish, Hungarian, and Arabic are considered among the most challenging languages for English speakers to learn.
“Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconosis” is often cited as the longest and most difficult English word to spell, though practical spelling challenges include “necessary,” “separate,” and “accommodation.”
