The 13 Best English Learning Books: A Professional Guide

Learning English can be challenging, but having the right resources is crucial for making consistent progress. Whether you’re just beginning, strengthening your basic skills, or aiming to reach an advanced level, choosing the right book is essential.

In this article, we’ve selected 13 of the best books for learning English. From the widely trusted English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy, used by millions of learners, to the comprehensive English for Everyone series, these books cover key aspects of language learning. They will help you improve grammar, expand vocabulary, sharpen pronunciation, and boost your overall confidence in using English.

Each book on our list provides clear explanations, practical exercises, and unique features that make learning more effective. Whether you’re studying on your own or looking for supplementary classroom materials, these books are valuable tools. No matter your goals—whether for work, travel, or daily communication—these resources will help you reach the next level.

Explore our top recommendations and find the book that fits your learning needs.

Rating: 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description: 

English Grammar in Use Book with Answers: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English (5th Edition) by Raymond Murphy remains the most trusted and widely used grammar guide for learners at the intermediate level (B1-B2). As the world’s best-selling grammar book, it provides clear, straightforward explanations and hundreds of practice exercises that make mastering grammar both accessible and effective.

This updated edition is ideal for self-study, helping you work through essential grammar points at your own pace. It’s equally useful in the classroom, offering invaluable support to students and teachers alike. With easy-to-understand examples and exercises specifically designed for intermediate learners, this book allows you to build your grammar confidence and improve fluency quickly.

Whether you’re learning for work, study, or personal growth, English Grammar in Use equips you with the tools to communicate more accurately and naturally. Trusted by millions worldwide, it is an essential resource for anyone serious about mastering English grammar.

Rating: 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

Essential Grammar in Use with Answers: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Elementary Learners of English (4th Edition) by Raymond Murphy is the definitive guide for beginners (A1-B1) who want to build a solid foundation in English grammar. As part of the best-selling Grammar in Use series, this book simplifies grammar concepts with clear explanations and reinforces learning with hundreds of practical exercises.

Designed for easy self-study, Essential Grammar in Use is ideal for those starting from scratch or anyone looking to strengthen their basic grammar knowledge. Its structured approach makes it accessible to learners at any pace, providing the tools needed to improve communication skills in English. This book is also highly recommended by teachers as a classroom supplement, offering valuable support to both students and instructors.

Trusted by millions of learners worldwide, Essential Grammar in Use ensures that mastering elementary English grammar is straightforward and effective, giving you the confidence to communicate clearly.

Rating: 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

The English for Everyone Grammar Guide & Practice Book Box Set is a thoughtfully designed resource for learners who want a clear and effective way to improve their English grammar. Tailored for adults, this set simplifies even the most complex grammar rules, making learning both accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re struggling with past tenses or comparatives, the visual learning approach used in this set ensures that difficult concepts are broken down in a way that is easy to understand.

This set includes a comprehensive reference guide alongside a practice book, featuring over 1,000 exercises to reinforce key grammar points. The visual aids and structured format help learners at all levels, from beginner to advanced, build confidence in their English skills. Aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the English for Everyone series is widely trusted and has been used by millions of learners worldwide.

Ideal for self-study, the box set offers a step-by-step approach that helps learners not just understand grammar but apply it confidently in everyday situations. Whether you’re preparing for an exam, improving for work or study, or simply aiming to enhance your communication skills, this box set provides a reliable, user-friendly solution.

For those looking for a comprehensive, practical, and visually engaging way to master English grammar, this box set offers everything you need in one convenient package.

Rating: 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

The Advanced Grammar in Use Book with Answers, eBook, and Online Test (4th Edition) is a must-have for learners at the advanced level (CEFR C1–C2) who are serious about mastering English grammar. As the highest level in the renowned Grammar in Use series, this edition offers a comprehensive approach, perfect for self-study or as a supplement to classroom learning. With 105 units covering essential grammar points, including five new units focusing on grammar for academic purposes, this book ensures you have everything you need to strengthen your grammar skills.

What sets this edition apart are the valuable online resources included: a 36-month subscription to the eBook version with audio, full answer keys, and over 200 quick online tests. These resources allow you to check your understanding and focus on areas needing further attention, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. The flexibility to practice and review grammar both in print and online makes this edition ideal for learners who want to study at their own pace while benefiting from immediate feedback.

Whether you’re aiming to refine your grammar for professional purposes, academic work, or personal growth, this book provides the comprehensive support you need to succeed at the highest levels of English proficiency.

Rating: 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

The English for Everyone Practice Book Level 1 Beginner is the ideal starting point for anyone new to learning English or those looking to strengthen their foundational skills. Designed as part of the best-selling English for Everyone series, this comprehensive self-study guide offers a wide range of engaging, bite-sized exercises that make learning English both easy and enjoyable. With hundreds of practice activities, this book covers listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, helping you build confidence from day one.

Accompanied by native speaker audio, you’ll improve your pronunciation while expanding your vocabulary with everyday topics like introducing yourself, discussing your job, and sharing hobbies. The book also guides you through essential grammar rules, such as using apostrophes and connecting sentences, with clear, step-by-step explanations and eye-catching illustrations that make even the trickiest concepts easy to grasp.

Perfect for self-study, exams, or travel, Practice Book Level 1 Beginner is structured to help you master the basics and prepare for major global English exams like TOEFL and IELTS. Whether you’re learning English for work, study, or personal growth, this practice book offers a straightforward and effective path to success.

Rating: 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

The English for Everyone Course Book Level 2 Beginner is the perfect next step for learners who already know the basics of English and are ready to advance their skills. As part of the highly successful English for Everyone series, this self-study guide offers an engaging and interactive learning experience, designed for adult learners who want to build on their foundational knowledge. This book delves deeper into essential language topics, helping you express your feelings, talk about routines, describe past events, plan for the future, and discuss your goals and ambitions.

With its bite-sized modules, Level 2 makes learning enjoyable and manageable. Each section covers listening, speaking, reading, and writing exercises, supported by clear, step-by-step explanations and visually appealing illustrations. Whether you follow the book from start to finish or dip into specific areas, you’ll find it a flexible and practical resource for expanding your vocabulary, improving grammar, and boosting overall confidence.

Designed to prepare you for major English-language exams such as TOEFL and IELTS, this book offers everything you need to continue your journey to fluency. Plus, with audio materials available online and via apps, you can enhance your pronunciation and listening skills anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re studying for work, exams, or travel, Level 2 will keep you motivated and progressing toward advanced English.

Rating: 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

English Vocabulary in Use Pre-intermediate and Intermediate is your essential resource for building a strong vocabulary foundation and communicating with confidence. Designed for learners at the B1 level, this book offers clear, easy-to-understand explanations and engaging practice exercises across 100 comprehensive units. Whether you’re studying on your own or using it in a classroom setting, this book provides a structured, reliable way to expand your vocabulary.

What sets this book apart is its grounding in Cambridge’s extensive research on how English is actually spoken and written, ensuring that what you learn is both practical and authentic. With specialized units on learning strategies, personalized practice, and an easy-to-use answer key, you can develop effective self-study habits and track your progress with confidence.

Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their English for work, study, or everyday communication, English Vocabulary in Use is an indispensable tool for mastering the words you need to succeed.

Rating: 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

Enhance your fluency and confidence in English with the English for Everyone 3 Book Box Set, a fun and engaging self-study program designed to help you master essential vocabulary, idioms, and phrasal verbs. Whether you’re trying to improve your use of everyday expressions, feel confused by tricky phrasal verbs, or want to broaden your overall vocabulary, this visually rich collection is the perfect solution. Each book in this beautifully packaged set provides clear explanations and interactive exercises to make learning enjoyable and practical.

With over 5,000 words, idioms, and phrasal verbs covered, this box set ensures you’re equipped with the language you need to communicate naturally and confidently in English. It’s ideal for learners of all levels, whether you’re preparing for exams, improving for work or study, or just looking to sound more fluent in daily conversations. Covering everyday topics like food, transportation, weather, making decisions, and much more, these books provide all the essential language skills you need.

Perfect for self-study or classroom use, this set will take your English to the next level by helping you use the language with ease and accuracy in real-life situations.

Rating: 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

Business Result Advanced (2nd Edition) is the go-to course for business professionals aiming to enhance their English skills and advance their careers. Tailored for real-world business scenarios, this comprehensive course provides practical communication strategies that can be immediately applied in the workplace. With a strong focus on relevant language skills, it helps learners navigate professional environments with confidence.

The course offers a flexible, easy-to-use format that allows teachers to adapt lessons effortlessly to meet the specific needs of their students. The Teacher’s Book provides complete support, making lesson planning efficient and effective. New features in this edition include Online Practice, where students can engage with automatically-marked activities, access video and audio content, and track their progress—whether studying in class or independently.

Ideal for both students and teachers, Business Result Advanced ensures that learners develop the essential language skills needed for success in today’s fast-paced business world.

Rating: 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

English for Everyone Junior: Beginner’s Course is the perfect starting point for children aged 6-9 who are taking their first steps in learning English as a foreign language. Designed with engaging exercises and lively audio, this course introduces young learners to over 500 essential words in a fun and interactive way. Through simple, carefully structured lessons, children will build confidence in both speaking and reading English.

The course covers the basics of English vocabulary and grammar using vibrant illustrations and clear explanations. Each language point is presented in a dedicated section, with examples that are easy for children to understand and follow. The included audio resources further reinforce what they learn, helping them practice pronunciation and comprehension.

Ideal for both home study and classroom use, this beginner’s course requires no prior knowledge of English, guiding children step by step to master elementary language skills. Additional features, such as a handwriting guide, grammar overview, and glossary, provide extra support for young learners as they progress.

Part of the globally successful English for Everyone series, this course ensures that children develop a solid foundation in English while enjoying the learning process.

Rating: 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

English Pronunciation in Use Elementary is the go-to resource for learners looking to improve their pronunciation and be clearly understood in English. Tailored for elementary-level (A2) learners, this best-selling book offers 50 units packed with explanations, examples, and practice exercises designed to boost your confidence in speaking English.

With over five hours of free downloadable audio, you can practice pronunciation through simple ‘listen and repeat’ activities, all modelled with a clear British English accent. The book covers essential areas of pronunciation, including individual sounds, word stress, connected speech, and intonation, ensuring you develop a well-rounded grasp of English pronunciation.

Perfect for self-study or classroom use, this book provides everything you need to improve your speaking skills. The included audio download code allows easy access to practice materials, making it convenient to study wherever you are. Whether you’re looking to improve your pronunciation for work, study, or everyday conversation, English Pronunciation in Use gives you the tools to speak with clarity and confidence.

Rating: 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

English Pronunciation in Use Intermediate is an essential resource for learners at the intermediate level (B1-B2) who want to improve their pronunciation and be better understood in English. With 60 comprehensive units covering all aspects of English pronunciation—such as individual sounds, word stress, connected speech, and intonation—this best-selling book is designed to help you speak with clarity and confidence.

The book includes over four hours of free downloadable audio, providing ample opportunities to practice through ‘listen and repeat’ exercises, all modelled with a clear British English accent. Each unit offers explanations, examples, and practice exercises, ensuring that you can master pronunciation in a structured and engaging way.

Ideal for both self-study and classroom use, the book comes with an audio download code and straightforward instructions for accessing the materials from the Cambridge website. Whether you are studying for work, exams, or simply want to communicate more effectively, English Pronunciation in Use Intermediate will guide you towards more accurate and confident English pronunciation.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description:

English Pronunciation in Use Advanced is the definitive guide for learners at the advanced level (C1-C2) looking to refine their English pronunciation and achieve fluency. This best-selling book provides 60 detailed units covering essential pronunciation skills, from individual sounds and word stress to connected speech and intonation, helping you speak with accuracy and confidence.

With over four hours of free downloadable audio, you can practice through interactive ‘listen and repeat’ exercises, all modelled with a British English accent. Each unit combines clear explanations, practical examples, and targeted exercises, ensuring you develop a deep understanding of advanced pronunciation features.

Ideal for self-study or classroom use, the book includes an audio download code and simple instructions for accessing the materials from the Cambridge website. Whether you’re preparing for professional or academic situations, or simply want to fine-tune your English speaking skills, English Pronunciation in Use Advanced equips you with the tools to communicate clearly and effectively at the highest level.