Hi everyone!
My students often ask me the question about which grammar book is the best to buy if they want to practice their grammar skills at home. My answer is always the same: English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy. This book is known around the world for its clear and simple grammar explanations and for its practical and enjoyable (yes, enjoyable!) exercises. In my view, the English Grammar in Use series has the perfect balance between teaching information and providing practice activities.

There are three books in the Grammar In Use series, each focussing on a different level of English. So, which level is the best for you?

Elementary: Essential Grammar In Use (Red book)
Intermediate – Upper-Intermediate: English Grammar In Use  (Blue book)
Advanced: Advanced Grammar In Use (Green Book)

Depending on your current level of English, choose according to the above level indicators. I usually recommend that my students start at the intermediate level (English Grammar in Use) even if they believe that their English level is higher than intermediate. The reason for this is that it is important to have a strong knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of grammar before moving on to the more complicated and advanced areas. By working your way through the intermediate level first, the advanced level will be a lot less stressful and much easier to understand.

If you are more inclined to use your mobile phone, iPad or computer, then using the original Grammar In Use book series might not be the best way for you to learn. However, this should not stop you and does not need to be an excuse for not developing your grammar skills – the entire series is now also available as a downloadable app for use on your phone, iPad, or tablet.

If you are interested in this option, click on the following link for more information about the new online version of English Grammar In Use and click here to download it directly from the apple store.

While you’re at the app store on iTunes, have a search for the following apps as well, they are all useful additional Grammar In Use tools available to download for use on the go:
-English Grammar In Use Tests
-Essential Grammar In Use Tests
-Advanced Grammar In Use Tests 
-English Grammar In Use Activities
-Essential Grammar In Use Activities
-Advanced Grammar In Use Activities

Why don’t you have a look at the Grammar In Use series yourself – whether you use the books, or an application on your phone, I can guarantee you that using this resource will make grammar practice much more fun – and the bonus is that you may learn something along the way!
:) Nicole

© Nicole Sammer, Sydney English Teacher, 2015.

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