Good grammar is a requirement for good writing, otherwise you risk not being able to relay your message. It’s a sign of clarity, credibility, accuracy, and consistency.
Even seasoned writers regularly brush up on their grammar skills. While there’s some point to breaking grammar rules, you still need to meet a minimum of standards.
Best Grammar Books
Whether you’re a beginner mastering the basics or an experienced writer refining your craft, here are some of the best grammar books to add to your reading list.
1. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
First published in 1920, this book has since become an influential reference guide for writers, professors, and editors. It covers the essentials of grammar, punctuation, style, and composition. It even explores the common misspellings and misused expressions in American English.
2. Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer
Dreyer’s English is a modern style guide that combines practical advice with humor. Dreyer, the former copy chief at Random House, offers tips on grammar, style, and punctuation taken from his career in publishing. It’s the perfect read for someone who spends a lot of time writing and editing prose.
3. Woe Is I by Patricia T. O’Connor
Woe Is I is a witty guide to grammar and usage. Patricia T. O’Connor, a former editor of The New York Times, addresses the many myths and pitfalls of the English language. Her discussions include the use of apostrophes, pronoun disagreements, expressions, and other errors. Like #2, it’s a fun read that proves learning grammar doesn’t have to be dull.
4. Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
Lynne Truss, best known for her passion for punctuation, explores how its impact on language. Commas, apostrophes, and semicolons shape the meaning of a sentence. She teaches you the rules governing punctuation and common punctuation errors through humorous anecdotes and examples.
5. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language by Rodney Huddleston & Geoffrey K. Pullum
Instead of teaching you how to write, this reference book shows you a scientific look at how native English speakers talk. It’s a chunky book that takes a deep dive into English grammar, even going as far as analyzing speech patterns.
Alternatively, a much simpler and more affordable version has been published. It’s edited more as a textbook, with exercises meant for students.
6. Essential Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy
Essential Grammar in Use is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand resource for English language learners of all levels. It’s structured to work from basic to more advanced grammar concepts, with every step focusing on a specific grammar point. A variety of practice exercises are also available to reinforce your learning.
7. Garner’s Modern English Usage by Bryan A. Garner
Arranged alphabetically, Garner’s book has over 6000 entries on the English language, including punctuation, grammar, conventions, and vocabulary. Aside from the standards that users generally adhere to, he also discusses the variances and errors that are so widespread there’s no other choice but to adapt them to modern English.
8. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage
Unlike a traditional dictionary, this one focuses on the correct and incorrect usage of words, phrases, and grammar rules. With over 2000 entries, it delves into the history of each issue (“who vs. whom”, “less vs. fewer”, “affect vs. effect”, etc.), offering explanations and even debunking them when necessary.
Its use of descriptive grammar (how language is actually used rather than dictating how it should be used) makes it a valuable resource for any writer.
9. Several Short Sentences About Writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg
Verlyn Klinkenborg’s philosophy is that if a writer can write good sentences, then they can write good paragraphs, chapters, and books. Specifically aimed at writers, his book focuses almost entirely on sentence construction. It’s not strictly a grammar book but does emphasize elements important to grammar, such as clarity and structure.
10. The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker
The Sense of Style is a comprehensive guide to modern English usage and writing style. Pinker, a cognitive scientist and linguist, explains the principles behind good writing such as grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
However, he also advocates for a more relaxed approach to language, encouraging writers to focus on good communication rather than strict adherence to grammar rules.
What other grammar books do you recommend? Share them in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
