7 English for Beginners Books That Experts Benny Lewis and Jonathan Levi Recommend

After years of experimenting with language acquisition, Olly Richards crafted this collection to transform how you approach learning English. Instead of dry drills, you get eight engaging stories spanning genres like sci-fi, crime, and history, designed to hold your interest while expanding your vocabulary within the 1000 most frequent English words. The book balances accessible grammar with authentic dialogue, so you naturally pick up conversational expressions as you read. If you prefer learning through context and narrative rather than memorization, this book offers a refreshing way to build confidence and enjoy steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

When Jackie Bolen recognized the gap for approachable spoken English practice, she crafted this collection of 102 dialogues tailored specifically for beginners. Drawing on her 20 years teaching ESL in South Korea and Canada, Bolen provides you with authentic conversations rich in common idioms and phrases, paired with exercises to reinforce learning. By working through dialogues ranging from everyday situations to workplace exchanges, you gain practical vocabulary and confidence to speak American English fluently. This book suits anyone starting out who wants to build conversational skills without feeling overwhelmed by complex grammar or vocabulary.

This personalized book explores tailored methods to develop your English skills effectively, focusing on your unique background and learning goals. It covers essential language components such as vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, creating a learning path that matches your interests and pace. By synthesizing expert knowledge with your specific needs, this book reveals pathways that align with how you learn best, helping you gain confidence and competence in English communication. The tailored approach ensures that you engage deeply with relevant topics like conversational practice and grammar essentials, while also addressing your personal challenges and objectives. It provides a focused learning experience designed to empower your mastery of English through progressive and personalized content.

DK, with its roots dating back to 1974 and a reputation as a leading illustrated reference publisher, developed this practice book to support adults learning English as a second language. You’ll find over 1,000 vocabulary and grammar exercises aligned with their Course Book Level 2 Beginner, designed to reinforce your skills through varied and engaging activities. The book’s layout, including lay-flat binding and extensive audio resources accessible via app and website, makes practicing easier and more interactive. Whether preparing for exams like TOEFL or IELTS or simply boosting your everyday English, this book provides focused practice that builds confidence step-by-step.

DK's English Grammar Practice Book for ESL beginners offers a hands-on approach to mastering foundational grammar through visually rich exercises and clear explanations. The book breaks down complex topics like past tenses and comparatives into manageable lessons, supported by color-coded visuals and writing prompts that encourage active learning. It pairs effectively with DK's Grammar Guide, making it suitable for self-study or classroom use, especially for those preparing for English proficiency exams such as TOEFL and IELTS. If you want to build solid grammar skills without wading through dense text, this workbook provides structured practice that aligns well with your learning pace and goals.

Raymond Murphy's decades of experience teaching English as a foreign language clearly shaped this book into a straightforward guide that demystifies grammar for beginners. You’ll find explanations broken down into simple, digestible parts, with practice exercises that reinforce the basics without overwhelming you. The inclusion of an answer key makes it easy to self-correct, so you can track your progress independently or use it alongside a class. Whether you're starting from scratch or need a refresher, the book’s American English focus and approachable style make it a solid tool for building foundational grammar skills.

This tailored book explores a step-by-step journey through speaking exercises designed specifically for English beginners. It covers core speaking skills from foundational pronunciation to practical conversational phrases, ensuring each lesson matches your background and goals. By focusing on your interests and current level, this personalized guide reveals clear pathways to build confidence in everyday English speaking. It emphasizes gradual progression through daily practice, helping you overcome common beginner challenges with exercises that feel natural and engaging. The book examines techniques to develop fluid speech and listening comprehension, providing a custom pathway through complex concepts. Its tailored content makes learning efficient and motivates steady improvement, making English speaking approachable and rewarding.

Betty S. Azar, a respected educator with decades of experience, crafted this book to address the needs of beginning English learners by focusing on grammar as the foundation of language skills. You’ll find straightforward charts and explanations that demystify grammar without jargon, alongside varied exercises that go beyond rote drills to include reading, listening, and writing practice. The book’s blend of clear instruction with communicative methods helps you grasp how grammar works in real conversations and formal writing, making it suitable whether you're self-studying or in a classroom. If you want to build solid grammar skills that support all areas of English learning, this book offers the structure and practice to get you there.

Raymond Murphy's extensive experience teaching English abroad shaped this book into a practical guide for elementary learners. You’ll find straightforward explanations of English grammar essentials paired with exercises that reinforce your understanding, such as verb tenses and question forms detailed in early chapters. This book suits self-learners aiming to build a solid foundation, as well as teachers seeking a reliable classroom supplement. Its clear format and answer keys make it easy for you to track your progress and grasp core concepts without confusion.