Practical English Usage

by Michael Swan
Practical English Usage cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Education and Reference
Technical
  • ID: 4236
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
  • Published: 1980-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Practical English Usage is a go-to reference guide designed to address the most common and challenging aspects of the English language. It provides clear, reliable, and easy-to-find information on grammar, vocabulary, idioms, style, pronunciation, and spelling, making it an invaluable resource for both learners and educators. The book is structured to be highly accessible, ensuring that users can quickly find the answers they need to improve their language skills. Beyond grammar, the guide also covers selected points of vocabulary, idiom, style, pronunciation, and spelling, offering a well-rounded approach to mastering English. Its practical advice and user-friendly format make it a trusted companion for anyone looking to enhance their proficiency in the language.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-21
accessible 4.50

This book is easy to understand and very thorough, with clear examples and excellent explanations. It is highly recommended for its practical and accessible approach to English language learning.

Goodreads reviewers have praised Practical English Usage for its ease of understanding and thorough coverage of English language problems. The book is noted for its clear examples and excellent explanations, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. Reviewers appreciate the book's practical approach, which provides reliable and easy-to-find information on grammar and usage. The book is particularly valued for its user-friendly format and the inclusion of practical advice that addresses common language issues. Overall, it is seen as an indispensable resource for anyone looking to improve their English language skills, whether for self-study or classroom use.

Quick quotes

    This book is very easy to understand. You do not need a degree in linguistics to make sense of it.

    It's very thorough, with clear examples and an excellent index.

    It gives information and advice that is practical, clear, reliable, and easy to find.

Teaching English with Oxford · Michael Swan · 2017-04-06
comprehensive 4.50

The fourth edition of Practical English Usage is celebrated for its comprehensive updates and practical approach to English language problems. It is praised for its clear explanations and thorough coverage of grammar and usage.

Michael Swan's fourth edition of Practical English Usage is highly regarded for its practical and accessible approach to English language learning. The book is celebrated for its comprehensive updates, which reflect the evolving nature of the English language. Swan's clear and concise explanations make it an invaluable resource for both teachers and learners. The book covers a wide range of grammar and usage issues, providing practical advice and examples that are easy to understand. This edition is particularly noted for its user-friendly format and the inclusion of new sections that address common language problems. Overall, it is seen as an indispensable tool for anyone looking to improve their English language skills.

Quick quotes

    The new edition of Practical English Usage is a testament to Swan's deep understanding of the English language and his ability to make complex concepts accessible.

    This book is not just a grammar guide; it's a comprehensive resource that addresses the practical aspects of language use.

    The clear and concise explanations make it an invaluable resource for both teachers and learners.

Waterstones · 2016-12-22
practical 4.50

This grammar book is perfect for learning, studying, and improving English, offering practical and reliable information. It is praised for its clear and easy-to-find advice on grammar and usage.

Waterstones reviewers have found Practical English Usage to be an exceptional resource for anyone looking to improve their English language skills. The book is lauded for its practical and reliable information, making it a go-to guide for learners and teachers alike. The clear and concise explanations, along with the easy-to-find advice, make it a valuable tool for understanding and correcting common language problems. Reviewers appreciate the book's comprehensive coverage of grammar and usage, which is presented in a user-friendly format. This book is not just a grammar guide; it's a comprehensive resource that addresses the practical aspects of language use, making it perfect for both self-study and classroom use.

Quick quotes

    Finally, a grammar book to learn, to study, to understand, to check, to correct yourself, to read randomly... Perfect to improve your English!

    It gives information and advice that is practical, clear, reliable, and easy to find.

    Most of the book is about grammar, but it also covers selected points of vocabulary and pronunciation.

Appears in Lists