English Grammar

Question

Whats is the best English grammar book?

Englishmaven · Accepted Answer

For English as a second language, the Azar series is the best.

Mister Micawber · Answer

I suggest Michael Swan's Practical English Usage. I think it is the best all-round reference: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Practical-English-Usage-Michael-Swan/dp/0194420981/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471757793&sr=1-1&keywords=Practical+English+Usage

Fivejedjon · Answer

I agree. I once wrote of it in another forum:

Most beginning teachers, and many experienced ones, have 'easy' grammar books that they often refer to. I started out in the 1960s with Stannard Allen. By the time I returned to TEFL in the late 1990s, he had long been replaced. Murphy and Azar were popular writers with my younger colleagues, British and American respectively.

My own standby, from its first appearance in 1980, has been Michael Swan's Practical English Usage. As its publishers claim to have sold over one and a half million copies world wide, and as it is still (in its 3rd edition form) on sale after 30 years, I am not alone in my admiration of the book.

The bad news for lazy teachers is that there are no photocopiable exercise for students.

The good news is that Swan is intelligent and knowledgeable, and writes clearly. He does not invent 'rules' that later turn out to have dozens of exceptions; he simply explains clearly what you can and cannot say in modern English. While he is clearly a descriptivist rather than a prescriptivist, he does point out what is not acceptable in standard English, and he has a sounder knowledge of AmE than many BrE writers.

I have loved English grammar for many years, and my personal library contains most grammars published since 1586 for BrE, with a fair few from 1785 onwards for AmE. Swan, however was usually the book I turned to first when I was teaching if I wanted a clear, concise, simple and accurate explanation. Since I have been answering questions on forums, I have sometimes been thanked for my answers. When I have, it is sometimes because I have quoted directly from Swan, and often because I have been influenced by him.

It is possible (though unlikely) that my theoretical knowledge of grammar is as great as Swan's. My ability to explain and illustrate points of grammar is far inferior to his. If I had to recommend one reference book to learners and beginning teachers, it would be Practical English Usage. I have recommended it to many experienced teachers, and they have passed on my recommendation to their junior colleagues, and to students.

My only regret is that I did not, years ago, arrange with OUP to receive a commission for every book sold as a result of my recommendation.

English Grammar

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions