Posted by If you’re learning English as a second language, you may be wondering which books are best for you to begin with. There are many options available, but not all of them are of a good standard. In this article, we’ll look at the best English learning books that will help boost your English learning prowess.
English is the world’s most widely spoken language, with an estimated 1.4 billion speakers worldwide. According to the British Council, there are currently over 750 million people who are actively learning English as a second language, and you are probably one of them.
Also, English is the dominant language in business, science, and technology, so it’s no wonder that so many people are trying to learn it.
Books remain one of the most popular ways to learn a new language, with over 40% of language learners using books as their primary resource. So, as someone who wants to become acquainted with the English language, you are at the right place for the kill.
Just put on your seatbelt and enjoy the journey of becoming more conversant in this beautiful language with us.
Importance of Using Books to Learn English
Here are some of the benefits of learning the English language using books:
- Books are affordable and accessible
- The ability to read at your own pace
- Books are portable and can be used anywhere
- The opportunity to re-read passages as needed
- It lets you highlight and underline important information.
Books are Affordable and Accessible
One of the great things about learning English with books is that they are often very affordable, especially compared to other resources such as classes or private tutoring.
Even libraries often have a large selection of English-learning books available for free. So, if you’re on a tight budget, books are a great option for learning English.
The Ability to Read At Your Own Pace
Unlike a class or a private lesson, when you’re reading a book, you can go at your own pace. If there’s a section you don’t understand, you can take your time and re-read it until you get it.
In a case where there’s a word you don’t know, you can look it up in a dictionary or online. You can even pause and take a break if you need to.
With a book, you’re in control of how fast or slowly you learn. This can be especially helpful if you’re a beginner or find yourself struggling with a particular concept.
Books Are Portable And Can Be Used Anywhere
Books are small and portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go. You can bring a book with you on the bus or train, to the park, or even on vacation.
Even if you’re traveling to a remote location, you can still bring a book with you. With an e-reader, you can bring hundreds of books with you on a single device.
This means you’ll always have something to read, no matter where you are. And, if you’re in a public place, you can easily look up words or passages without worrying about disturbing others.
The Opportunity to Re-Read Passages as Needed
When you’re reading a book, you can go back and re-read passages as many times as you need to. With other forms of learning, like a class or online course, you may not have the opportunity to go back and review materials.
But with a book, you can take your time and make sure you fully understand what you’re reading. This can be a big help in terms of actually retaining the information.
It Lets You Highlight And Underline Important Information
Another benefit of learning English with a book is that you can highlight and underline important information.
This is a great way to make sure you remember the most important concepts. You can also use different colored pens or highlighters to organize your notes and make them easier to review later.
Some books even have margin space for writing notes. This feature can be very helpful if you want to make notes or record any questions you have about the material.
Criteria for Selection of the Books for Learning English
The following are the criteria we carefully considered in the selection of the top books for learning the English language:
- The book’s clarity and ease of understanding
- Another factor is the book’s level of detail, providing sufficient information without becoming overly complex
- The approachability of the book.
List of 30 Best English Learning Books in PDF Free Download
Below is a list of the top English books for learning:
- English Grammar in Use, by Raymond Murphy
- Oxford English Grammar Course, by Michael Swan
- English Grammar for Dummies, by Geraldine Woods
- English Vocabulary in Use, by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell
- Collocations in Use, by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell
- The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar, by Bas Aarts
- English Pronunciation in Use, by Mark Hancock
- English Grammar Espresso English
- Learning English through Short Stories by British Council
- English Collocations in Use, by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell
- Basic Grammar in Use, by Raymond Murphy
- Learning English through Short Stories by British Council
- 100 Idioms You Must Know by Oliveboard
- Advanced English Vocabulary, by Monique L’Huillier
- Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, by Merriam-Webster
- Garner’s Modern English Usage, by Bryan A. Garner
- The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
- On Writing Well, by William Zinsser
- Plain Language for Lawyers, by Richard C. Wydick
- The Oxford English Dictionary, by The Oxford University Press
- The Elements of Style Illustrated, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
- Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg
- On Writing, by Stephen King
- Tenses by Ankommen – St.Gallen
- Writing Skills Practice Book for EFL by Patricia Wilcox Peterson
- Writing for the Web, by Janice Redish
- Words Fail Me, by Patricia T. O’Conner
- Basic English Grammar with Exercises by Mark Newson
- Practice English on your own by Minitoba
- Rules for Writers, by Diana Hacker
Insight on the Best Books for Learning English
English Grammar in Use, by Raymond Murphy
- Year Published: 1985
Description
Raymond Murphy’s English Grammar in Use is one of the most popular and well-regarded books for learning English grammar.
The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to understand even for learners with little experience with grammar.
It covers a wide range of topics, from basic sentence structure to more advanced concepts such as conditionals and reported speech.
Oxford English Grammar Course, by Michael Swan
- Year Published: 2011
Description
This is another highly-regarded book for learning English grammar. Like English Grammar in Use, it is written in a clear and accessible style, making it easy to understand for learners of all levels.
The book is divided into three levels, from basic to advanced, to enable you to progress at your own pace.
It also includes a variety of exercises and practice tests to help learners apply what they have learned.
English Grammar for Dummies, by Geraldine Woods
- Year Published: 2010
Description
The next book on our list is English Grammar for Dummies. It is a popular and comprehensive book for learning English grammar.
The book is written in a friendly and easy-to-understand style, making it perfect for beginners or those who need a refresher.
It also covers all the basics of grammar, from parts of speech to sentence structure, and it includes exercises and quizzes to help learners test their knowledge and track their progress.
English Vocabulary in Use, by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell
- Year Published: 1999
Description
English Vocabulary in Use by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell is a highly-rated book for learning English vocabulary.
The book is divided into three levels, from beginner to advanced, so that learners can choose the level that best suits their needs.
It is also designed to help learners expand their vocabulary by providing them with words, phrases, and expressions in context.
The book also includes practice exercises, word games, and tips on how to improve vocabulary retention.
Collocations in Use, by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell
- Year Published: 2005
Description
This is a highly acclaimed book for learning English collocations. Collocations are words that are commonly used together, and this book helps learners understand and use collocations in their writing and speech.
The book is divided into two levels, basic and intermediate, and includes a variety of exercises and activities to help learners practice what they have learned.
The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar, by Bas Aarts
- Year Published: 2016
Description
As someone who is learning grammar, this book should be an essential reference for you. The book provides clear and concise definitions of over 3,000 grammar terms, including both traditional and modern terminology.
It also includes examples of each term in use, making it easy to understand how the grammar is used in real life.
English Pronunciation in Use, by Mark Hancock
- Year Published: 2003
Description
This is a popular and effective book for improving English pronunciation. The book focuses on the most common pronunciation mistakes made by non-native English speakers and provides exercises and activities to help correct them.
In addition, the book is designed to be flexible, so you can work through it at your own pace and focus on the areas that need the most improvement.
English Grammar by Espresso English
- Year Published: 1987
Description
The book is divided into four parts, covering basic grammar, intermediate grammar, advanced grammar, and key grammar points.
It includes a wide range of exercises and activities to help you understand and apply what you have learned.
Also, the book provides helpful tips and advice for avoiding common mistakes, as well as information on the differences between British and American English.
Learning English through Short Stories by British Council
- Year Published: 2003
Description
When it comes to a very useful English learning book, Learning English through Short Stories by the British Council ranks among the best.
The book tells short stories, each with a definition and an example sentence. In addition, the book includes several exercises and activities to help you learn and remember the verbs.
Whether you’re just starting to learn English or looking to improve your grammar, this book can be a valuable resource.
English Collocations in Use, by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell
- Year Published: 2005
Description
Collocations are pairs or groups of words that are often used together. The book features over 2,000 collocations, each with an example sentence to show how the collocation is used in context.
This book is organized by topic, making it easy to find the collocations you need. It also includes a variety of exercises to help you learn and practice the collocations.
Basic Grammar in Use, by Raymond Murphy
- Year Published: 1990
Description
Basic Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy is a popular and effective grammar book for beginning and lower-intermediate learners of English.
The book covers all the basic grammar topics, including parts of speech, tenses, modals, passive voice, and more.
It also includes a variety of exercises to help you practice and master the grammar concepts. The exercises are presented in a step-by-step fashion, starting with easier tasks and progressing to more challenging ones.
English as a Second Language by San Diego Continuing Education
- Year Published: 2003
Description
This book contains idioms that are organized by topic, so you can easily find the ones you need. In addition, the book includes a variety of exercises to help you learn and remember the idioms.
The book is suitable for both native and non-native speakers of English and is particularly useful for those preparing for the TOEFL or IELTS exams.
English Phrasal Verbs in Use, by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell
- Year Published: 2004
Description
Phrasal verbs are a unique and essential part of the English language, and this book provides an easy and effective way to learn them.
The book features over 1,000 phrasal verbs, each with a definition, an example sentence, and a practice exercise.
This book also includes an index of phrasal verbs organized by their parts, making it easy to find the phrasal verb you’re looking for.
100 Idioms You Must Know by Oliveboard
- Year Published: 1999
Description
This is a valuable resource for learners who want to expand their English vocabulary and reach an advanced level.
The book is packed with over 100 idioms, each with a definition, an example sentence, and notes on usage.
These idioms are organized by topic, making them easy to find and learn. The book also includes a variety of exercises to help you remember the vocabulary and use it correctly in context.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, by Merriam-Webster
- Year Published: 1994
Description
This is a comprehensive resource for learning and understanding the rules of English grammar and usage.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including word choice, punctuation, and sentence structure. It also guides on controversial or ambiguous grammar issues.
This dictionary is based on extensive research and analysis of real-world English usage, so you can be confident that the information is reliable and up-to-date.
Garner’s Modern English Usage, by Bryan A. Garner
- Year Published: 1998
Description
Garner, a renowned authority on language, has revised and updated the book to reflect the latest trends in English usage.
The book is organized alphabetically, making it easy to find the information you need. It covers a wide range of topics, from common grammar mistakes to the finer points of punctuation.
The book also includes a section on word origins, so you can learn about the history of English words.
The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
- Year Published: 1918
Description
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White is a classic reference to English usage and writing style.
It was first published in 1918, and the book has been widely used by writers, editors, and students for over a century.
The book is known for its concise and practical approach to writing and for its simple and direct advice.
On Writing Well, by William Zinsser
- Year Published: 1976
Description
Zinsser is a successful journalist and writer, and his book is considered a classic in the field. The book is divided into four parts, covering topics such as style, the writing process, and finding your voice.
Zinsser provides clear and practical advice on everything from writing a sentence to developing a thesis.
The book is known for its witty and engaging style, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in improving their writing.
Plain Language for Lawyers, by Richard C. Wydick
- Year Published: 1979
Description
The book is known for its practical and concise approach to writing legal documents. Wydick covers topics such as the structure of legal documents, the use of plain language, and the avoidance of legalese.
It also includes a chapter on the use of citations and a section on editing legal documents.
The Oxford English Dictionary, by The Oxford University Press
- Year Published: 1928
Description
Published by the Oxford University Press, the OED is widely considered to be the most authoritative dictionary of the English language.
The OED contains over 600,000 words and over 2.4 million quotations from a wide range of sources. It also includes etymologies, pronunciation guides, and information on the history of English words.
With its extensive coverage and rigorous research, the OED is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the English language.
The Elements of Style Illustrated, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
- Year Published: 1919
Description
This book includes over 100 full-color illustrations by Maira Kalman. The illustrations add a playful and whimsical touch to the book, making it a delight to read.
Whether you’re a writer, an editor, or just someone who loves language, this book is sure to be a hit. So grab a pen and paper and get ready to learn the elements of style illustrated.
Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg
- Year Published: 1986
Description
Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones is a classic in the world of writing. The book is designed to help writers tap into their creativity and get words on the page.
Goldberg’s approach is unconventional and playful, and her writing prompts are designed to get the mind flowing.
She believes that everyone has a story to tell, and she helps writers access their unique voices.
On Writing, by Stephen King
- Year Published: 2000
Description
This is a memoir and a guide to the craft of writing. King shares his journey as a writer, from his humble beginnings to his success as a best-selling author.
In the second half of the book, King offers practical writing advice, from how to develop a story to the importance of editing.
On Writing is both an entertaining and informative read, and it is sure to be a valuable resource for any aspiring writer.
Tenses by Ankommen – St.Gallen
- Year Published: 2021
Description
Robert Lee Brewer’s Writer’s Market is the go-to guide for writers who want to get their work published.
The book is packed with information on how to submit to magazines, journals, and other markets. It also includes advice on how to build a platform, network with other writers, and more.
Writing Skills Practice Book for EFL by Patricia Wilcox Peterson
- Year Published: 1998
Description
This author takes a lighthearted approach to tackling this serious subject.
The book is divided into 25 chapters, each devoted to one commonly misspelled word. Truss includes helpful hints and mnemonic devices to help you remember the correct spelling.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their spelling and have a laugh while doing it.
Writing for the Web, by Janice Redish
- Year Published: 2007
Description
Janice Redish’s Writing for the Web is an essential guide for anyone who wants to create content for the Internet.
Redish, a user experience expert, focuses on writing that is clear, concise, and user-friendly. She covers topics such as writing headlines, writing for mobile devices, and writing for search engine optimization.
Writing for the Web is an essential resource for anyone who wants to create content that is accessible and effective.
Redish’s advice is practical and easy to follow, making this book a valuable tool for anyone who writes for the web.
Words Fail Me, by Patricia T. O’Conner
- Year Published: 1999
Description
O’Conner, a former editor at the New York Times, takes a lighthearted approach to common errors and conundrums in the English language.
The book covers everything from grammar and punctuation to pronunciation and word origins. It’s an entertaining and informative read for anyone who loves words.
Basic English Grammar with Exercises by Mark Newson
- Year Published: 1997
Description
Wetzsteon, a poet and professor, takes a fresh and insightful approach to the craft of writing. She includes both creative and technical exercises to help writers find their voice and improve their skills.
This is a workbook that is a valuable resource for both new and experienced writers, and it will help you hone your craft and find joy in writing.
Practice English on your own by Minitoba
- Year Published: 2009
Description
The book is filled with examples and case studies that illustrate the best practices for copy editing. It also includes exercises and quizzes to help you hone your skills.
Manitoba’s friendly and approachable style makes his book an essential resource for anyone who works with words.
Rules for Writers, by Diana Hacker
- Year Published: 1997
Description
Hacker’s book covers the basics of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, as well as more advanced topics such as citation styles and research skills.
The book also includes sections on academic writing, business writing, and personal writing. Hacker’s clear and concise writing style makes Rules for Writers an accessible and valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
The book is especially helpful for college students who are new to academic writing.
FAQs on Best English Learning Books
Is it better to read a print book or an ebook?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on individual preferences and learning styles. Some people find it easier to focus on a physical book, while others prefer the convenience of an ebook. Additionally, the quality of the reading experience may differ between print and digital formats. For example, some ebooks may have poor formatting or distracting features, such as flashing ads.
How long will it take to improve my English by reading books?
There is no set answer to this question, as the amount of time it takes to improve one's English by reading books depends on a variety of factors, including the individual's current level of English, the difficulty of the books being read, and the amount of time spent reading each day. Generally speaking, however, consistent reading over time can have a significant impact on one's English skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. Therefore, it's important to set realistic goals and be patient with the learning process.
What if I'm more interested in fiction than textbooks?
There's no need to stick to textbooks if you prefer reading fiction. Reading novels, short stories, and other types of fiction can be a great way to improve your English skills. This is because novels often use a more natural form of language, which can help you learn new vocabulary, grammar, and idioms more organically. Additionally, the plot and characters in fiction can be engaging and motivating, making it more enjoyable to read. So, if you find textbooks boring, consider exploring the world of fiction instead.
Are there any books that are specific to Americans?
Yes, many books focus specifically on American English. These books typically cover topics such as American idioms, regional dialects, and American slang.
We Also Recommend:
- 20 Best Sites To Read Comic Books Online For Free
- Where to Download Free Ebooks Illegally
- How to Get Free Textbooks in PDF Format Online
- 25+ Free Books to Read After a Breakup
- 20 Learn-to-Sing Books (FREE).
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of books available to help you improve your English, and the best books for you will depend on your individual learning style and goals.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with a book that focuses on the basics, such as grammar and vocabulary.
Whatever your level, it’s important to remember to be patient and to read consistently to see the best results.