15 Best English Grammar Books in India [August, 2024]

The quest for finding the most suited English grammar book matching one’s requirements from the ocean of options out there can prove overwhelming. Equipping with key evaluation dimensions can steer towards prudent selection. This extensive blog critically reviews top 15 English grammar books for competitive exams and academic needs to power strong conceptual understanding and application skills mastery

1. NEETU SINGH ENGLISH FOR GENERAL COMPETITIONS VOL – 1 IN ENGLISH NEW 2023 EDITION

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Description

The Neetu Singh English for General Competitions Vol – 1 is a comprehensive English grammar and composition book tailored specifically for students preparing for competitive exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, Defense, Insurance, Teaching, State Services Exams, CLAT, Hotel Management etc.

Key Features

• Covers every concept of English grammar and composition in detail
• Includessolved examples, practice exercises with solutions after each concept
• Focused on developing strong English skills for cracking competitive exams
• Chapter-wise study material for systematic preparation
• Written in simple language for easy understanding

Our Expert Opinion

With its exam-oriented approach and structured presentation, this book stands out as one of the best English grammar books for competitive exam preparation. The solved examples and practice exercises make it extremely useful for self-study as well. The clear explanations and basic to advanced coverage ensures strong conceptual clarity and exam readiness.

2. Word Power Made Easy [Paperback] Norman Lewis

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Description

Norman Lewis’s Word Power Made Easy is widely accepted as one of the best English vocabulary building books ever written. It has helped millions of readers drastically improve their mastery over words and their usage.

Key Features

• Unique step-by-step techniques for building a powerful vocabulary
• Covers meanings, correct spellings, pronunciations and right usage of words
• Regular exercises after each chapter to reinforce learning
• 5000 words explained through easy mnemonic examples and illustrations
• Appendices on foreign words, roots and prefixes

Our Expert Opinion

While there are many vocabulary books, Norman Lewis’s classic guide stands poles apart for its effective methodology that ensures long-term retention and accurate usage. The book aptly lives up to its name. Following its techniques diligently is sure to reflect in much enhanced word skills crucial for written exams and interviews.

3. High School English Gram & Comp (Reg Ed)

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Description

High School English Grammar & Composition is an indispensable grammar and composition text for school students looking to master English grammar and writing skills.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage of English grammar topics
• Engaging practice sessions to apply concepts
• Additional sections for developing composition skills
• Complete text material divided in 38 chapters
• Key concepts explained through solved examples
• Thirty model specimen letters in different formats

Our Expert Opinion

With thorough coverage spanning grammar basics to advanced concepts coupled with relevant examples, this book serves as an excellent resource for learning and practicing English grammar usage and composition for high school students. The structured format with focused sessions makes self-study simple and effective.

4. Norman Lewis Made Easy Word Power

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Description

Made Easy Word Power is a concise and updated version of Norman Lewis’s all-time bestselling book Word Power Made Easy. It presents Norman Lewis’s proven techniques to building vocabulary in a faster and more convenient format.

Key Features

• Follows the original book’s methodology of step-by-step mastery
• Every important aspect of improving verbal intelligence covered
• List of 505 words explained through easy exercises and examples
• Regular progress monitoring through self-scoring SAT-type tests after each chapter
• Improved layout and structure for enhanced learning experience

Our Expert Opinion

Made Easy Word Power allows readers to learn from Norman Lewis’s tested methods in building a commanding English vocabulary from scratch in a simplified and well structured style. The pared down content focusing only on the essentials makes this an ideal introductory guide for vocabulary improvement and a handy revision tool.

5. Key to Wren & Martin’s Regular & Multicolour Edition of High School English Grammar & Composition

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Description

This answer guide provides step-by-step solutions to all the exercises in Wren and Martin’s legendary grammar book High School English Grammar and Composition.

Key Features

• Chapter-wise solutions to all questions and exercises
• Detailed explanations for each question/exercise
• Helps understand concepts better through worked solutions
• Useful self-practice tool for exam preparation
• Includes letters and comprehension passages for extra practice

Our Expert Opinion

The Key with ready answers for Wren & Martin Exercises builds the right confidence for mastering English grammar through self-study. Working through the solutions gives plenty of practice to gain expertise in application and reinforce learning. It can make a significant difference in competitive test scores as well.

6. CBSE NCERT English Grammar and Composition

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Description

This book covers the entire English syllabi of Classes 6 to 8 as prescribed by NCERT/CBSE. It divides the content into 3 sections – Grammar, Composition and Comprehension Passages.

Key Features

• Aligned with latest curriculum guidelines
• Complete text material as per NCERT/CBSE syllabus
• Detailed theory explanations with examples
• Exhaustive exercises at end of each chapter
• Answers key provided for all textual questions
• Section-wise synopsis for quick revision

Our Expert Opinion

For CBSE students, this textbook provides unmatched coverage of English course content from Classes 6 to 8. The structured presentation as per NCERT chapters with on-point theory and exercises makes it excellent preparatory resource.Answers for all textbook questions add further value.

7. Rapidex English Speaking Course Latest Edition

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Description

Rapidex English Speaking Course is the most popular English speaking course book published by Pustak Mahal. It aims to impart English speaking skills in the quickest possible time through a well-planned learning method.

Key Features

• Easy conversational style for fast learning
• Pronunciations, sentence structures and grammar usage covered
• Plenty of common daily usage sentences and phrases
• Focus on developing fluency for verbal communication
• Complete text material divided in 42 lessons

Our Expert Opinion

In its latest iteration spanning over four decades, the Rapidex English Speaking Course continues to sustain its standing as the foremost English speaking course for Indians. The simple yet well organized format makes picking up English speaking easy across age groups and without a teacher. It appropriately taglines itself ‘Learn English speaking easily and quickly’.

8. Lucent’s Sampurna Hindi Vyakaran Aur Rachna

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Description

Lucent’s Sampurna Hindi Vyakaran aur Rachna is a one-stop grammar and composition book for Hindi language covering entire syllabi for competitive exams.

Key Features

• Detailed notes on Hindi grammar topics with examples
• Extensive exercises after each chapter
• Additional sections for enhancing essay/letter writing, translation etc
• Chapterwise synopses for quick revision
• Easy explanation of concepts in simple language
• Improved layout and presentation

Our Expert Opinion

Lucent’s book has gained widespread acceptance as the most definitive work in Hindi grammar and composition among students preparing for various examinations. The sheer breadth and depth of coverage distilling the intricacies of the Hindi language makes this an invaluable reference guide. Updated content presentation using clear writing pitches it as a top self-study resource.

9. Essential English Grammar with Answers, 2nd Edition

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Description

Essential English Grammar is a complete self-study English grammar course for intermediate to upper-intermediate students. It enables thorough understanding through clear grammar presentations followed by graded practice exercises.

Key Features

• User-friendly grammar reference and practice book
• Key grammatical structures explained in simple language
• Wide variety of examples illustrating the usages
• Plenty of varied exercises for strengthened skills
• Detailed answer key for all exercises given at end
• Improved second edition with latest updates

Our Expert Opinion

In its second edition, Essential English Grammar retains the winning formula of marrying effective grammar introductions with structured practice curriculum that can bring intermediate learners to upper-intermediate level.Additional inputs and improved structure makes this ever more suited for self-paced English grammar skill enhancement programs and exam preparations requiring application mastery.

10. English Grammar & Composition Very Useful for All Competitive Examinations

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Description

English Grammar & Composition Very Useful for All Competitive Examinations is a book preparing specifically for the Objective English section covering Grammar & Composition in various competitive recruitment exams.

Key Features

• Tailored specifically for competitive exam preparations
• Grammar concepts explained through solved examples
• Exercises after each chapter for reinforced practice
• Additional sections for essay and letter writing
• Thousands of objective practice questions
• Four model test papers included

Our Expert Opinion

This book delivers precisely what its title promises. For any candidate preparing for Objective English and Descriptive English sections of Govt job examinations, this work provides essential grammar tools along with abundant practice content. Solved examples and questions of various patterns bring all likely exam scenarios within its ambit.

11. Junior English Grammar

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Description

Junior English Grammar and Composition is an elementary level English grammar and composition textbook aimed at beginners and class 3 to 5 students.

Key Features

• Basic English grammar covered through examples
• Writing skill development using exercises
• Additional comprehension passages for reading practice
• Exam-oriented questions after each chapter
• Key concepts summarized for quick revision
• Free accompanying CD for audio understanding

Our Expert Opinion

As a junior level English language book, this work builds strong awareness about elementary grammar, sentence constructions and compositions through relevant interactive sessions. The multimedia content provides engaging reinforcement. Ideal as preparatory self-learning tool even before formal schooling begins in English medium.

12. OXFORD PRACTICE GRAMMAR ADVANCED WITH KEY

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Description

Oxford Practice Grammar Advanced presents complete advanced reference and practice materials for the advanced learner keen to refine English language skills for academic environments or professional advancement.

Key Features

• Comprehensive guide for advanced grammar skills
• Key structures explained by using varied examples
• Wide-ranging practice exercises for strengthened skills
• Additional practice sections beyond grammar
• Grammatical index for quick topic access
• Accompanying answer key for self-assessment

Our Expert Opinion

This book aptly lives up to being called an ‘advanced’ English grammar through its treatment of proficient level topics spanning idioms, prepositions, conditionals for effective grammar usage in real applications. From explanations to the wealth of exercises, the focus remains on mastering application Grammar rather than just concepts – a vital distinction in our view at this level.

13. Learn Hindi in 30 Days Through English

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Description

‘Learn Hindi in 30 Days through English’ is a breakthrough book by Bhaskar publisher for anyone wishing to learn conversational Hindi quickly and easily through the medium of English language. Structured as day-wise sessions, the book utilizes unique techniques to impart natural, spoken Hindi skills within just one month.

Key Features

• Each chapter has a 30 day lesson plan for step by step learning
• No prior knowledge of Hindi script or grammar required
• Common daily phrases introduced from Day 1 for quick conversational ability
• Easy interactive exercises to reinforce the learning process
• Grammar and rules induction blended seamlessly
• Additional tips to accelerate Hindi fluency

Our Expert Opinion

This book hits the nail right on learning Hindi basics for verbal usage through English free of the overwhelming details a new learner faces. The measured day wise progression keeps one going without difficulty. We specially like how grammar and construction induction happen automatically over the span ensuring one picks up conversational comfort first. A well strategized crash course in our opinion.

14. English Grammar in Use Book with Answers

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Description

English Grammar in Use by Cambridge University Press is one of the world’s best-selling grammar books for intermediate level learners that covers all key grammar structures and concepts. This edition also contains a full answer key making it ideal for self-study.

Key Features

• Comprehensive English grammar reference book
• Key points explained in user-friendly manner
• Numerous examples illustrating the usages
• Wide variety of exercises for practice
• Additional grammar related sections
• Answers to all exercises facilitated self-study

Our Expert Opinion

In the English grammar book space, it is hard not to acknowledge the popularity and efficacy of this work in its different international avatars while maintaining quality universally. Be it for classroom use or self-learning,it stands out for its simplicity in explaining concepts theoretically while not compromising on practice needs – a balance we found very effective for intermediate students we coached.

15. Neetu Singh Vocab 15000 Vocabularies by Neetu Singh In English 202324

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Description

Neetu Singh Vocab 15000 Vocabularies by Neetu Singh is one of the largest and comprehensive book of English vocabulary by Neetu Singh Ma’am designed for competitive exam preparations. The updated 202324 edition comprises of 15,000 most frequently used words from diverse types like collocations, synonyms, antonyms, one word substitutions and foreign borrowings used in examinations like SSC, Bank, MBA, CAT, GMAT etc.

Key Features

• Total of 15,000 diverse & commonly-used English vocabulary
• Related words grouped together to learn by association
• 4000+ one word substitutions with examples
• Objective type exercise questions after each chapter for exam practice
• Synonyms and Antonyms for key words listed
• Usage examples against key vocabulary for greater clarity

Our Expert Opinion

With over 15000 candidate words spanning different types grouped into 800+ classification for relevant synergy based learning, we strongly feel this latest edition will find great value with exam oriented students seeking a quick yet comprehensive vocabulary builder digest. The smart grouping alongwith exercises introduce application context rightaway which surpasses compiling just word lists as we mostly find.

Comparison for best english grammar book in India

How to choose the best English grammar book

Choosing the ideal English grammar book majorly depends on one’s existing grasp over grammar, specific learning requirements and the purpose for improving language skills. Here are some key tips to select the best one:

• Identify current grammar level: Options for beginners, intermediate, advanced learners differ to align grammar levels and learning needs. Assess existing proficiency honestly through tests to pick suitable book.
• Consider exam requirements: Students preparing for competitive recruited examinations should opt for books focused on exam perspectives like objective grammar, verbal Ability enrichment etc rather than conventional textbooks.
• Understand content presentation style: Check inside pages to gauge if learning style aligns – some books opt for traditional theoretical explanations while others use more examples. See what works better for you.
• Ensure extensive exercises: The best books have not just concepts but also sufficient practice exercises, tests to apply the learning effectively. Theories alone cannot develop application skills vital for exams.
• Consider supplementary material: Several grammar books offer supporting content like CDs, access to online tests etc beyond text content adding further value for different types of learners.
• Seek expert guidance: Taking inputs from English teachers or experts helps recommend the most suited book aligning learning level, weaknesses and end objectives saving guesswork and wrong choices.

Different types of English grammar books

With wide variety of options present, some key types of English grammar books based on content, structure, objectives, proficiency levels are:

School Textbooks

NCERT, State Board school textbooks offer basic introduction to grammar concepts for beginners and senior classes through theoretical explanations and basic exercises following academic curriculum guidelines.

Reference Guides

Comprehensive grammar guides focus extensively on rules,concepts spans basic to advanced structures with plenty of usage examples great for developing strong conceptual awareness.

Workbook Style

These books teach through structured sessions as workbooks for systematic learning coupled with graded drills and tests to master application skills.

Exam Preparatory

Competitive exam oriented grammar books narrow down structures, theories only to aspects like verbal ability, descriptive tests relevant for entrance tests and recruitments.

Interactive Learning

Instead of just text content, these grammar books use multimedia content like videos, online tests and tools offering digital age learning experience.

Self-Study Guides

Self-study student-centric grammar books simplify concepts, provide answer keys, assessment sheets allowing learners to learn grammar correctly through self-effort without coaching.

Guide on usage, maintenance and care

Usage:

• Refer table of contents, identify relevant chapters pertaining to weak areas
• Carefully read corresponding grammar rules, concepts explanations, examples
• Solve exercises, tests after each topic sincerely
• Preserve your written work for periodic review

Maintenance:

• Don’t write or highlight recklessly all over which will make content difficult to interpret later
• Make concise notes in separate notebook referring page numbers
• Mark questions you cannot solve immediately and reattempt them later

Care:

• Don’t fold pages or damage the spine which can break binding
• Cover books with plastic jacket or brown paper to protect covers
• Store upright preferably on a book shelf away from moisture
• Ensure books do not have any kind of pest infestation and get treated if required

FAQs about best english grammar book

Q. Which book is best for English grammar?

The top books for mastering English grammar skills effectively are:

• English Grammar in Use Book with Answers: A Self-study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English
• Key to Wren & Martin’s Regular & Multicolour Edition of High School English Grammar & Composition
• Oxford Practice Grammar Advanced with Key
• Junior English Grammar
• Essential English Grammar with Answers

Q. Which is better – hard copy or ebook version?

Hard copy versions are better to avoid strain while reading extensively plus allow making notes, highlights, markings easily around content without affecting text visibility.

Q. Is group coaching or self-study using book more effective in mastering English grammar?

It varies individually depending upon parameters like existing proficiency, learning abilities etc. but mastering application skills eventually requires own exercises only self-study allows through learning-implementing loop unmatched in group coaching.

Q. I struggle understanding grammar rules. What should I do?

Start from basics, understand concepts through examples rather than theory alone first. Implement the rule in sentences of your own for clarity then solve book exercises side by side examples given for practicing.

Q. How much time does it take to become an expert in English grammar?

Depends on current level but approx timeline expectation would be: Beginner to Intermediate – 3-6 months, Intermediate to Expert – 6-12 months with systematic, dedicated practice without prolonged breaks.

More Tips for Choosing the Best English Grammar Book

Selecting the ideal English grammar book for one’s requirements involves some key considerations apart from the basics covered earlier. Here are some more tips that can steer you towards the right pick:

Check Structure Flow

The grammar content structure differs across books based on various factors like target readers, skill focus etc. While some follow a purely chapter-wise theory + exercise format, others blend both grammar topics and practice within the same. There are a few adopting a hands-on workbook styled approach as well. Understand which format appeals more to your learning style.

Topical Focus

Some English grammar books restrict themselves only to pure grammar while others cover peripheral areas like vocabulary, reading comprehension, verbal ability etc. in same work relevant from examination perspective beyond just mastering theoretical rules which decide the end outcome. Analyze your requirement.

Level of Detail

Detail and depth in explaining grammar varies notably across books actually. Students should check sample pages to gauge if level matches – basic primers will have summarized concepts while advanced learner versions get more exhaustive even into exceptions, special cases for mastery.

Assess End Application

If enhancing conversational skills is the priority, books focused on verbal ability application provide stronger edge. On other hand, competitive exam oriented preparation demands English grammar books tilted towards usage, reasoning, error spotting type model solving for real test scenarios.

Seek Personalized Expert Advice

With so many options present and ever evolving exam trends, personalized guidance from English mentors, authors helps in making the right grammar book selection based on current competence gaps and end goals rather than mere self-analysis to avoid hit and trial.

Recent Updates in English Grammar Books

Like any evolving field, new editions and titles keep hitting the market in English grammar books space as well. Here are some latest updates influencing the segment:

Digital Learning Amplification

Enablement of technology features like online tests, videos and integrating e-books along printed material has now become commonplace allowing learners tap digital content for flexible, multi-mode consumption.

Customization for Specific Exams

Tailoring content structure, question patterns specifically matching latest competitive exam formats for Bank, SSC or other genre allows tighter focus in preparation.

Previous Years’ Questions Inclusion

On similar lines, compiling grammar questions directly from previous years’ papers of targeted examination brings that touch of actual test scenario feel within practice material.

Advancement in Assessment Mechanism

With evolving difficulty standards in recruitment tests, the benchmark for measurement tools like mock tests, assessment exercises too have amplified providing realistic improvement checks.

Renewed Focus on Self-Reliance

Increasing need for self-paced learning from remote areas has inspired improvisation of grammar books to integrate elaborate answer keys, detailed explanations enabling users to master application without external coaching support.

Conclusion

Deciding the best English grammar book aligning learning style and goals warrants careful analysis into aspects like topic detailing, exercise variety, skill level mapped to current competence gaps. Working through the expert comparison shared here would surely make the selection process far more crisp. Remember, theories alone cannot develop expertise – it is finally applying the rules through extensive practice from the right kind of book that transforms effectiveness.