The Best Spelling, Grammar & Syntax textbook

Buying Guide

The English language has no shortage of rules, and it can all feel a bit overwhelming at times. This is especially true for young students who are required to learn spelling, grammar and syntax rules formally at school.

The good news is, many online resources can help you answer questions that come up. But as with any important skill, you’ll at least need to get the basics down so that you can then supplement that knowledge.

There are two major types of books on grammar and syntax. One type is designed to guide experienced writers through usage questions and debates — like whether you should put a comma before “and” in a series of more than two items. These style guides are typically more expensive and purchased by journalists and copy editors for professional settings.

Other grammar books are more educational in nature. These resources come in the form of textbooks that go through all the basics and workbooks that test your knowledge. Some books combine a little of both, quizzing you throughout to make sure you’re absorbing the information.

Some are specific to children, so if you’re a parent looking for a guidebook for your young learners, you may need to narrow it to the target age range. Typically, grammar workbooks and instructional guides are designed to complement the content students are learning in a specific grade.

For adults, it may be important to note the books’ intended audience. Some texts are geared toward those learning English as a second language, while others are for those looking to enhance writing skills. If you’re a professional writer or interested in going into creative writing, you’ll get the most out of a book intended for that market.

• Worksheets and quizzes can be a huge help in any book. Some are inserted at the end of each chapter as a refresher. Other books incorporate quizzes and tests throughout as a supplement to classroom learning.
• Traditional textbooks can be quite dry, so when you’re buying a grammar guide, look for one that’s engaging easy to read. This is especially important if you’re buying a book for children.
• Some workbooks are designed for tutors, teachers and homeschooling parents. These have features designed to match state curriculum requirements. Some also have spines that help the book flatten out for easy photocopying.
• Each book lists the general subject matter covered. If your goal is to boost a specific skill like understanding clauses or using punctuation properly, look for a book that focuses on that topic.
• If your book includes quizzes or tests, make sure an answer key is included so you can check your work. Even books for children need this to help parents and teachers grade papers quickly.
• For homeschooling parents and educators, a workbook that’s part of a series can be helpful. This allows you to grab related workbooks on different topics, such as math or history, in a format that’s already familiar to students.
• Business professionals often look to grammar books to help boost their writing, whether this is for emails or internal memos. A good grammar refresher can also help professionals write more effective speeches.
• Grammar books can also help boost speaking skills for young students. As studying helps them grow more confident in their writing and sentence construction, they’ll feel better about communicating verbally with teachers and peers.