12 Best Books to Learn English for Beginners to Advanced Learners

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If you’re looking to improve your English skills and step up your communication game, I can assure you that using books to learn English is an excellent way to achieve this goal.

Regardless of your level, the vast collection of English learning books on the web can be overwhelming. That’s a good kind of problem, though.

So in this post, I’ve compiled a list of the top books to learn English, including grammar, vocabulary, and storybooks.

Why use books to learn English

While learning English can be challenging, books can make your journey a whole lot easier. As a foreign learner, using books to learn English can be an amazing way to improve your skills and take your language abilities to the next level.

Books are wonderful because they offer a variety of opportunities for learning. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner, there is a book out there that will suit your level and help you achieve your goals. 

From storybooks to grammar guides, dictionaries, workbooks, and audiobooks, books will help you build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and develop your comprehension and communication skills.

What’s more, books are a flexible and affordable learning tool. They are widely available, easy to use, and can be accessed in a variety of formats, from old-school print to e-books to audiobooks. 

Finally, books can be incredibly inspirational. Reading stories and listening to audiobooks can be a exciting and engaging way to improve your language skills and gain new perspectives on the world. 

As you progress, you’ll realize you can read more complex pieces, and your vocabulary and understanding will keep on growing.

English books for beginners

1. English for Everyone: Level 1 Practice Book by DK

This book is a great way to start your English language learning journey. With its fun and easy-to-follow exercises, you’ll be speaking and writing in English in no time. 

English for Everyone covers all the basics of English grammar and vocabulary, and the accompanying audio ensures that you’ll learn the correct pronunciation. Whether you’re a beginner or just need to brush up on your skills, this book is an excellent resource.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• It provides a comprehensive overview of basic grammar and vocabulary
• The variety of exercises and activities to reinforce learning
• Fitting for both self-study and classroom use

2. Basic Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy

If you want to master English grammar, this book is a must-have. Basic Grammar in Use will help you take your English to the next level.

With its in-depth explanations and easy-to-understand examples, you’ll quickly learn the basics of English grammar. The book is suitable for self-study, and the accompanying exercises will help you practice what you’ve learned.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• It thoroughly explains fundamental grammar concepts
• The ample practice exercises to strengthen your skills
• Its user-friendly layout and structure

3. Oxford Picture Dictionary by Jayme Adelson-Goldstein and Norma Shapiro

This colorful and engaging dictionary is recommended for visual learners. The Oxford Picture Dictionary features more than 4,000 words and phrases illustrated with clear and detailed pictures, making it easy to learn and remember new vocabulary. 

It covers a wide range of topics, from food and clothing to transportation and technology. With its user-friendly layout and helpful pronunciation guide, it is a superb resource for anyone learning English.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• It offers a visual approach to language learning through illustrated vocabulary
• It includes 4,000+ words and phrases in a real-life context
• The accompanying audio material for listening and pronunciation practice

4. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

The Cat in the Hat is a classic children’s book that has been entertaining and educating young readers for generations. With its simple yet witty rhymes and colorful illustrations, this story of a mischievous cat and his two companions is a unique way for beginners to learn English as well. 

The book is full of useful vocabulary and grammar structures that are perfect for language learners who are just starting out. On top of that, its playful tone and engrossing story make it an enjoyable read for learners of all ages.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• A popular read for children and adults alike
• The simple language and whimsical illustrations make it easy to understand and pleasant to read
• It’s ideal for beginners learning English due to its rhymes and repetition

Books for English learners who have mastered the basics

5. Practical English Usage by Michael Swan

If you’re after a comprehensive guide to English grammar, this is the book for you. Practical English Usage covers all aspects of English grammar, from the basics to the more advanced topics. 

The book is easy to use and features clear explanations and helpful examples. Whether you’re a native speaker or an English learner, this book is an essential reference tool.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• The in-depth explanations of English grammar rules and usage
• It goes over a wide range of topics from basic to advanced level
• The numerous examples and practical tips for effective communication

6. Focus on Grammar 4 by Marjorie Fuchs and Margaret Bonner

This book is ideal for intermediate English learners seeking to improve their grammar skills. It’s divided into manageable units, making it easy to focus on specific areas of grammar. 

Focus on Grammar 4 is also filled with plenty of exercises and activities to help you practice what you’ve learned. 

Thanks to its user-friendly layout and engaging content, it is a fabulous tool for anyone who needs to improve their English skills and one of the books for English learners on the market.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• It presents grammar concepts in a straightforward manner
• The variety of interactive activities and exercises
• It includes real-life examples and contextualized practice

7. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary by Merriam-Webster

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is the ultimate tool for anyone who’s interested in expanding their vocabulary. With over 200,000 definitions and pronunciations, this dictionary offers to-the-point and concise explanations of even the most complex words.

The book is organized in an easy-to-use format, making it a go-to resource for students, writers, and language enthusiasts alike. 

Other than that, the dictionary is updated regularly with new words and meanings, keeping readers up-to-date on the latest additions to the English language. 

Whether you want to improve your writing or simply impress your friends with your linguistic prowess, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is an essential addition to your library.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• A comprehensive reference for English vocabulary
• The clear definitions and usage examples
• It comes with a guide to pronunciation and word origin

8. Learn English Through Stories by Donald Wells

This book allows for an engaging way to learn English. It features a collection of short stories designed to help you improve your reading, listening, and comprehension skills. 

Each story is accompanied by exercises and activities to help you practice what you’ve learned. With its entertaining content and user-friendly format, Learn English Through Stories is an extraordinary resource for anyone looking to bridge the gap between basic and intermediate English.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• An exciting and effective way to improve language skills
• The range of stories suits different levels and interests
• It includes exercises and comprehension questions for reinforcement

Books to learn English for advanced students

9. 100 Phrasal Verbs to Learn for Life by Luiz Otávio Barros

If you’re seeking to improve your English conversation skills, this book is a tremendous resource. It covers 100 common phrasal verbs with clear definitions and examples.

100 Phrasal Verbs to Learn for Life is also filled with exercises and quizzes to help you practice what you’ve learned. Thanks to its practical approach and easy-to-follow explanations, it is an essential resource for English learners.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• It helps students understand and use phrasal verbs in context
• Precise explanations and examples of recurring phrasal verbs
• It is complemented by practice exercises

10. Advanced Vocabulary in Context by Donald Watson

Advanced Vocabulary in Context by Donald Watson is a grade-A resource for anyone looking to achieve fluency in English. It boasts an extensive list of advanced words and phrases that are regularly used in both formal and informal settings. 

What sets this book apart is that it doesn’t just provide a list of words, but includes examples of how to use them in context too, making it easy to understand and apply them in your own writing and conversations. 

With Advanced Vocabulary in Context, you’ll get to impress your friends, colleagues, and even your English teacher with your newfound vocabulary.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• It’s a practical and effective way to improve advanced vocabulary
• The examples of vocabulary used in real-life contexts
• It’s jam-packed with exercises to help in your journey

11. Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary by Colin McIntosh (Editor)

If you’re serious about mastering English, this dictionary is a must-have! With detailed definitions and helpful examples, you’ll quickly build your vocabulary and improve your comprehension.

Whether you’re studying for an exam or just want to enhance your language skills, this thorough resource has everything you need. Plus, with its user-friendly layout and extensive range of words and phrases, you’ll never be lost for words again!

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• A comprehensive reference for advanced vocabulary and usage
• It’s distinguished by clear definitions, usage examples, and pronunciation keys
• The interactive features such as grammar and vocabulary exercises

12. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is a literary masterpiece that offers advanced learners an opportunity to explore the intricacies of the English language. 

Set in the roaring twenties, this novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who throws extravagant parties in an attempt to win back the love of his life. 

With its complex characters, sophisticated language, and layered themes, The Great Gatsby is a challenging but rewarding read for advanced learners. 

It uses a rich vocabulary and a glimpse into American culture during the Jazz Age, making it a fantastic resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of the English language and literature.

This book is available on BetterWorldBooks.

What I like about this book:

• A classic novel that has stood the test of time
• The rich vocabulary and complex sentence structures make it a marvelous resource for advanced English learners
• The themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream provide a glimpse into American culture and society in the 1920s

Final thoughts

With my book recommendations, you’ll be able to enhance your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, and make significant progress in your English learning journey.

Whether you’re teaching yourself English or helping someone else (like your own kids) master the language, you should rely on the best books to learn English on the market to get there as fast as possible.

For a well-rounded approach to this language, you can also explore English learning apps like Babbel, Pimsleur, and Rocket English. Listening to English podcasts helps too!