Practical English Usage by Michael Swan, Oxford University Press
👩🏽‍🏫Michael Swan is the godfather of English grammar books, and this book is a mainstay of any serious ESL/TEFL teacher’s toolbag. It is always on the pre-reading list for those about to take Cambridge’s famous CELTA (Certificate of English Language ) course, which is a recommendation in itself.
This is not your typical grammar book. It is more like a teacher’s troubleshooting guide. Whenever students ask tricky questions (Do we say “if” or “whether”? Why is it “the police are” and not “the police is”?), Swan has a clear, no-nonsense answer.
The book is organized like a reference manual, with over 600 short entries arranged in alphabetical order. You don’t read it cover to cover; you dip in when you need help. The explanations are clear, the examples are to the point, and it focuses on the real mistakes learners make, rather than just listing rules.
That said, it isn’t really designed for self-study at the beginner level. There are no exercises, and the details can be overwhelming for casual learners. But for teachers and advanced students, it’s a lifesaver, a kind of grammar “bible” you’ll keep going back to. Get it here!
Verdict: An essential book for any ESL teacher’s shelf. Use it to prepare lessons, clarify confusion, and provide your students with reliable answers.