Book

English Grammar in Use

📖 Overview

English Grammar in Use is a comprehensive reference and practice book for intermediate to advanced English language learners. The text covers major grammatical concepts through clear explanations and targeted exercises. The book contains 136 two-page units, with rules and examples on the left pages and practice exercises on the right. Each unit focuses on a specific grammar point such as tenses, modals, conditionals, or reported speech. A built-in answer key allows for self-study, while the clean layout and index make it simple to locate specific topics. The book includes additional supplementary exercises for further practice of key concepts. This systematic approach to English grammar serves both as a classroom companion and a self-study manual, emphasizing practical usage over theoretical complexity. The format has proven effective for students preparing for exams or seeking to improve their general command of English grammar.

👀 Reviews

Readers value this grammar reference for its clear explanations and practical examples. Students appreciate the self-study format with exercises and answer key. Many note it helps intermediate to advanced learners understand complex grammar points they struggled with previously. Likes: - Simple explanations of difficult concepts - Units are modular and self-contained - Exercises reinforce learning - Visual organization with tables and charts - Comprehensive index for quick reference Dislikes: - Some find exercises too basic for advanced students - Limited coverage of spoken English/colloquial usage - Answer explanations can be brief - Paper quality in newer editions feels thin Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,900+ ratings) Common review quote: "Finally helped me understand when to use present perfect vs. past simple tenses." One frequent criticism: "Good for written English but doesn't cover how native speakers actually talk."

📚 Similar books

Advanced Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy This book follows the same format as Hewings' work with clear explanations and practice exercises for upper-intermediate to advanced learners.

Oxford English Grammar Course by Michael Swan The structure presents grammar points through examples drawn from real-world usage with accompanying exercises for practice.

Practical English Usage by Michael Swan This reference book addresses common errors and grammar questions through systematic explanations and examples from authentic sources.

Understanding and Using English Grammar by Betty S. Azar, Stacy A. Hagen The text combines grammar explanations with guided exercises in a progressive learning sequence.

Collins COBUILD English Grammar by Collins COBUILD This corpus-based grammar resource provides patterns and rules based on analysis of actual English usage in contemporary contexts.

🤔 Interesting facts

📚 First published in 1989, "English Grammar in Use" has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling grammar books ever. 🎓 Martin Hewings taught English at the University of Birmingham and has authored over 30 ELT (English Language Teaching) books throughout his career. 📱 The book has evolved into a complete digital learning ecosystem, with a mobile app and online interactive exercises that complement the physical book. 🌏 The book's distinctive red cover design has become so recognizable that it's often referred to as "the red grammar book" by students across Asia. 🔄 Each new edition undergoes extensive feedback from teachers and students worldwide, with real usage examples updated to reflect contemporary English.