The Best English Grammar Books for Teachers on Amazon

15Oct 2024 by ESL Expat

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For English teachers, having the right resources is essential to deliver effective and engaging lessons. Grammar books serve as valuable tools, providing in-depth explanations, examples, and exercises to help instructors teach complex grammar rules with clarity.

Whether you’re a new teacher or an experienced educator, investing in a high-quality grammar book can enhance your teaching methods and improve your students’ learning experiences. Here are some of the best English grammar books available on Amazon that are perfect for English teachers.

English Grammar Books — English Grammar Exercises and Activities | Photo by Julia Khalimova

1. “English Grammar in Use” by Raymond Murphy

Why It’s Great for Teachers

One of the most popular grammar books worldwide, English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy is an essential resource for English teachers. It offers clear, concise explanations of grammar rules and includes plenty of exercises suitable for both classroom activities and individual student practice.

Key Features:

Simple Explanations: The book breaks down complex grammar topics into easy-to-understand sections, making it perfect for teachers who need a quick reference or want to explain concepts clearly.
Versatile Exercises: It includes hundreds of exercises that range from beginner to intermediate levels, making it suitable for diverse classroom settings.
Supplementary Material: Available with an answer key, the book also offers supplementary materials online, such as interactive exercises and practice tests.

Best For: Teachers working with beginner to intermediate-level students looking for a user-friendly and comprehensive grammar resource.

2. “The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL Teacher’s Course” by Marianne Celce-Murcia and Diane Larsen-Freeman

Why It’s Great for Teachers

The Grammar Book is a highly recommended resource for English teachers who want a deep understanding of grammar. Unlike most books aimed at students, this one is designed specifically for ESL/EFL teachers, providing thorough explanations, insights into grammar pedagogy, and examples of effective classroom activities.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers grammar topics in-depth, including advanced structures, making it an excellent resource for teachers of all levels.
Pedagogical Focus: It offers teaching strategies, classroom activities, and tips for explaining challenging grammar points to students.
Research-Based Insights: The authors, who are experts in the field, incorporate research and theory, making it a great choice for professional development.

Best For: Experienced teachers or those in teacher training programs who want an authoritative guide on grammar instruction.

3. “Practical English Usage” by Michael Swan

Why It’s Great for Teachers

Michael Swan’s Practical English Usage is a go-to grammar reference book for many teachers around the world. It’s particularly useful for teachers who need quick and accurate answers to grammar questions or who are looking for clear explanations of tricky grammar topics.

Key Features:

Concise and Clear Explanations: The book is organized in an easy-to-navigate format, offering straightforward explanations of grammar rules, common errors, and usage issues.
Comprehensive Resource: It covers a wide range of grammar topics, from basic to advanced, making it suitable for all levels of ESL learners.
Real-World Examples: Swan uses real-world English examples, helping teachers demonstrate the practical application of grammar rules to students.

Best For: Teachers who want a reliable, quick-reference grammar book that they can consult when preparing lessons or answering student questions.

4. “Grammar for English Language Teachers” by Martin Parrott

Why It’s Great for Teachers

This book by Martin Parrott provides an in-depth look at English grammar from a teacher’s perspective. It’s a practical guide that not only explains grammar rules but also explores common learner difficulties and suggests classroom activities to help students grasp challenging concepts.

Key Features:

Focused on Teaching: The book is specifically designed for teachers and includes tips on how to explain grammar rules and concepts to students effectively.
Common Errors Explained: It discusses typical mistakes students make and offers strategies for teachers to address and correct these issues.
Classroom Activities: Each grammar topic includes suggested classroom activities, allowing teachers to put the concepts into practice with their students.

Best For: Teachers who want a resource that focuses not only on grammar rules but also on how to effectively teach those rules in a classroom setting.

5. “Oxford English Grammar Course” by Michael Swan and Catherine Walter

Why It’s Great for Teachers

Oxford English Grammar Course is another excellent resource for teachers looking for structured grammar lessons and exercises. Authored by Michael Swan and Catherine Walter, it is divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, making it adaptable for different classroom needs.

Key Features:

Level-Based Structure: The course is divided into three levels (basic, intermediate, and advanced), so teachers can choose the right book for their students’ proficiency.
Interactive Exercises: It includes interactive online exercises and listening activities that complement the lessons, providing a well-rounded learning experience for students.
Clear Explanations and Illustrations: Each grammar point is explained clearly and often accompanied by illustrations or diagrams to aid understanding.

Best For: Teachers who prefer a structured, level-based approach to teaching grammar and want a comprehensive course that includes both in-class and online activities.

6. “Teaching English Grammar” by Jim Scrivener

Why It’s Great for Teachers

Jim Scrivener’s Teaching English Grammar is a practical and teacher-friendly guide that focuses on effective teaching methods. It’s designed to help teachers deliver grammar lessons that are engaging, interactive, and relevant to students.

Key Features:

Lesson Planning: The book includes practical ideas for lesson planning and activities that make grammar lessons more engaging and student-centered.
Interactive Focus: It emphasizes active learning, offering strategies to make grammar instruction interactive through games, activities, and real-life applications.
Supportive Resources: Scrivener provides tips for adapting lessons for different learning styles, ensuring that grammar teaching is effective for all students.

Best For: Teachers who want practical and interactive approaches to teaching grammar, especially those looking for lesson ideas and activities.

7. “Understanding and Using English Grammar” by Betty Azar and Stacy Hagen

Why It’s Great for Teachers

Betty Azar and Stacy Hagen’s Understanding and Using English Grammar is a classic in ESL classrooms. It’s widely regarded for its clear explanations and extensive practice exercises, making it a staple for teachers.

Key Features:

Extensive Practice Exercises: The book includes numerous exercises for classroom and independent practice, helping students reinforce their grammar skills.
Visual Aids: The use of charts and diagrams makes grammar concepts more accessible and easier to explain to students.
Flexible Use: Suitable for both classroom instruction and independent study, it’s a versatile tool that can adapt to various teaching settings.

Best For: Teachers who want a reliable and comprehensive grammar resource that offers plenty of practice material for classroom use.

8. “ESL Grammar Activities for Kids and Adults” by Paul Young

Why It’s Great for Teachers

ESL Grammar Activities for Kids and Adults is an invaluable resource for teachers looking to create engaging and effective lessons. With 50 diverse activities designed to reinforce grammar concepts, this book offers ready-to-use exercises that save time and make lesson planning easier.

Key Features

Various Grammar Exercises: 50 comprehensive grammar activities designed for both kids and adults.
Clear Guidelines: Easy-to-follow instructions and examples that support independent learning.
Flexible Lessons: Exercises adaptable for classroom teaching, tutoring, or self-study.

Best For: ESL teachers, tutors, and students who want a practical and engaging way to master essential grammar skills. It is perfect for all proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners, and can be used in various learning settings, including schools, private lessons, and self-study.

Conclusion

Choosing the right grammar book is crucial for English teachers who want to deliver effective and engaging lessons. Whether you prefer quick-reference guides like Practical English Usage or comprehensive courses like the Oxford English Grammar Course, there’s a book on this list to suit your teaching style and needs. By investing in these high-quality resources available on Amazon, you can enhance your grammar instruction and support your students in building a strong foundation in English.

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