Learning a new language can be challenging, especially understanding the grammar system. So, if you are a French learner, you need a French grammar book.
When it comes to learning foreign languages, French is among the most popular ones. The language resonates with style, elegance, romance, and fashion.
French is tricky. You must strengthen your grammar base to ensure you are on the right path to learning this new language.
It is always good to look for resources that can help you improve. Grammar is the base of any language and without it, mastering a new tongue is impossible. Online random practicing tools are good, but you need extra help when it comes to grammar.
Thus, to help you on your learning journey, we bring you the nine best french grammar books for self-study in 2023.
It does not matter what your learning level is. There are books for everyone. They will not only tell you but help you learn & improve.
So let us dive in and see what you can buy to boost your new lingual skill.
Top Pick For The Best Books To Learn French Grammar
Books are the said friend of humankind. Whether you want to learn about history or present or future aspirations, books are the ultimate door to wisdom.
And this remains true for new learning as well. In today’s times of the internet and virtual world, we undermine the importance of clarity & structure of books.
But the truth is, reading, writing, and practicing a new language via a book is far more efficient.
Hundreds of thousands of books claim to help you learn French grammar. And with so many choices, finding the right one can be overwhelming.
But do not worry. To help you, we reviewed grammar books for each level and now bring you the top nine available in the market.
- French Grammar for Beginners With Easy Written & Audio Lessons/Exercises
- French Grammar in Context For Intermediate Learners With Updated 5th Edition In French
- Le Bon Usage 16th Edition Written in French
- Dove Publications’ Essential French Grammar 39295th Edition With English Counterparts
- Short Lessons French Grammar for Building Daily Learning Habit On Intermediate Level
- The 500 Grammar Exercises A1 Book + Integrated Corrections (French Edition)
- GRAMMAIRE DES PREMIERS (TEMPS A1-A2) For Beginners in French
- Begin Intermediate Level Of French With The 1st Edition From For Dummies
- Learn The French Subjunctive Up Close With 1st Edition Of Practice Makes Perfect Series
Importance Of Buying Books To Learn French Grammar
Books are a trustworthy source of wisdom. They can be beneficial when it comes to mastering a new language.
And with modern times, you can get them both virtually or physically.
So, whether you are old-school or high-tech savvy, you need a grammar book to clear all your doubts and get simple to complex information in one place.
Many people undermine the importance of books in learning. So, if you too are skeptical about buying the best book for french self-study, below we have some advantages that will force you to think.
- Proper Learning Structure
One of the most significant advantages of learning from books is that they offer the proper learning structure. Learning from other sources is also okay, but most need proper structure. In Layman’s terms, a chapter shows no relevance with the chapters coming before & after it.
And such a thing can be confusing and can hurt your learning process.
But this is not the case with books. Books are all about a structure where you move ideally from one chapter to another with proper linking and no confusion.
- Books For Every Learning Level
There are the best French grammar books for English & other language speakers. You can find a book for each level.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner, you can get a book exclusive for your learning level.
- There Is More Than Just Reading
When it comes to books, they are stigmatized for reading only. However, the truth is entirely the opposite. Grammar books are filled with rules, vocabulary, practice lessons, tests, and more.
Your next French grammar book can be your reading, writing, and pronunciation partner, which tells you how to speak, write, & read every French vocab you learn.
In addition, if you are okay with spending, some books come with audio & video lessons to make the learning process more advanced.
- Boost Your Understanding Of Language
A grammar book will help you better understand the new language.
You can only speak a language better if you can read it and comprehend what it means. A book will have all the details in French and your native language so you can comprehend what a particular word or sentence means.
- Learn At Your Own Pace
Online resources may or may not save your learning progress, but your book will.
You can learn at your own pace. You can go back and read a chapter as many times as you like and go to the next one only when you think you are ready.
- Help You Build Consistency
One of the biggest reasons online learning is a struggle for most people is that it takes much effort. The websites do not have a proper flow of data which can be confusing.
However, a book is all about particularity. Everything is in order, and there is no chance for you to get confused about your next step.
A book will force you to do better as it constantly reminds you of what you have started.
- You Make Your Own Book
As weird as it may sound but when you are using a book to learn, a pen & notebook become your best friend.
You document everything you learn. Having a close eye on your progress and taking regular notes allow you to build your own book with your tricks & knowledge.
Explore The 9 Best French Grammar Books For New Learners In 2023
Learning a new language is a booster for your brain and your career. In current times where outreach is the key to a firm’s success, most companies look for multilingual people.
So, whether you are looking for new horizons in your career or want to use your free time better, a little knowledge lesson every day can go a long way.
Books help you to be consistent in your learning. You can quickly learn your level and where you need to work harder. You have your learning partner on the go and can begin studying whenever you want.
To help you consistently learn French, we have the nine best french grammar books online for you to buy.
The list comprises books of all sorts of levels. So, we have you covered whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner.
1. French Grammar for Beginners With Easy Written & Audio Lessons/Exercises
- Author- Frederic Bibard
- Publisher- Independent published
- Publication Date- Apr 20, 2022
- Print Length- 225 Pages
- Language- English
- Beginner friendly
- Audio for listening & pronunciation practice
- Complex grammar made easy
- 300+ grammar exercises
- Available in both Kindle & paperback formats
- Affordable
If you are looking for the best French grammar book for beginners, this book by Frederic Bibard is for you.
The book is a perfect crash course on French grammar and is ideal for beginners.
It comprises 30 beginner-level French grammar lessons covering French language’s all the crucial grammar concepts. There is no extra fluff that can confuse you. The lessons are straightforward and focus primarily on teaching the rules to the reader.
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One of the best things about this book is that it has short daily lessons that will help you build your learning habit. And once you have a rhythm, you can increase your daily learning time. To ensure everything is understandable, the writer has broken down the challenging concepts and simplified them with detailed explanations & examples.
In addition, more than 300 grammar exercises will help you practice whatever you learn & tell you if a lesson needs a revisit.
Furthermore, you also get audio narrated by a native French speaker. You can practice your listening & pronunciation skills with it.
Lastly, this book is available in both Kindle & paperback format for you to buy.
2. French Grammar in Context For Intermediate Learners With Updated 5th Edition In French
- Author- Margaret Jubb, Annie Rouxeville
- Publisher- Routledge
- Publication Date- Jul 15, 2020
- Print Length- 271 Pages
- Language- French
- Ideal for intermediate & advanced level
- It comprises authentic texts from French literature, poetry, and songs
- The fifth edition comes with several updates
- There is a plethora of additional interactive exercises to practice
- The book has a good balance between accessibility and exhaustivity
If you want a book that can help you move to the next level of your French learning, the fifth edition of French Grammar In Context is the best French grammar book for the intermediate level.
This book is a perfect way to understand how grammar rules work and how you can apply them to fit into the perspective of the language.
There are extracts from books, articles, poems, and songs written by French authors & artists in their voices. Each point is integrated with a wide range of written & spoken exercises to help strengthen your knowledge.
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The latest fifth edition comprised new texts in some chapters and new revision texts. Furthermore, you get a revised & extended companion website that offers a plethora of interactive exercises to practice.
Lastly, this book is a good choice for both intermediate & transitioning to advanced-level students. And you can use it for self-study or as an extra aid with your class-based study.
3. Le Bon Usage 16th Edition Written in French
- Author- Maurice Grevisse
- Publisher- De BoeckUniversite -eb
- Publication Date- Nov 15, 2016
- Print Length- 1666 Pages
- Language- French
- The book is taught in many schools in France
- It is an extensive book with about 1600 pages
- You get in-depth details about all crucial grammar points
- It is a great reference book for French learners on any level
If you want an essential french grammar book going onto the advanced level, Le Bon Usage is the one.
It is a go-to guide for every advanced-level French learner. And one of the best things about this book is that it is taught in many schools in France.
This book has made advanced learning easy with its comprehensive approach. With already familiar with the basics & most grammar rules, you can use this book to iron out the remaining creases.
Furthermore, with this book, you can practice your grammar in all contexts.
Lastly, this book is an excellent reference guide. So, it does not matter if you are starting out or not precisely at a high learning level. You can always use it for reference.
4. Dove Publications’ Essential French Grammar 39295th Edition With English Counterparts
- Author- Seymour Resnick
- Publisher- Dover Publications
- Publication Date- Jun 1, 1961
- Print Length- 160 Pages
- Language- English
- Compilation of everyday spoken french
- Continuous drawing comparisons with English construction for a better understanding
- 50-page English-French cognate
- Available in both paper book & kindle format
- Highly affordable
Another excellent book for English speakers to learn French with no prior knowledge of the language is Dover Language Guides Essential Grammar’s 39295th Edition.
This book is the first French grammar designed specifically for people who want basic language knowledge.
So, this is the book to buy if you want to learn simple, everyday spoken French instead of all archaic. The best feature of this book is that it teaches you grammar with sentences & phrases. Every sentence has English counterparts, helping you understand sentence formation better.
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The great thing is that you can practice without extensive knowledge of English grammar.
Every crucial grammar point, verb form, tense, part of speech, negative sentence, possessive, partitive construction, & more are covered in a logical & straightforward manner. With this book, you can include your learning directly into your daily life. The long list of common expressions will help you immensely.
In addition, there is a 50-page list of French-English cognates to help you learn better.
It is an ideal book for self-study, with English & French grammatical terms explained separately.
5. Short Lessons French Grammar for Building Daily Learning Habit On Intermediate Level
- Author- Frederic Bibard
- Publisher- Independent published
- Publication Date- Apr 8, 2021
- Print Length- 183 Pages
- Language- English
- Suitable for diving into the intermediate learning of the language
- Easy & straightforward language
- It comes with audio narration to boost your listening & speaking skills
- Over 300 grammar exercises to practice
- Short lessons help you create daily learning habit
This book by Frederic Bibard that will help you polish your French is another excellent choice for intermediate-level learners.
It is a perfect blend of straightforward step-by-step lessons with a built-in grammar workbook.
With this book, you can quickly learn and master the intermediate level of the French language. The book comprises 30 intermediate-level lessons. The short daily lessons help create an effective daily learning habit.
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To ensure you grasp the complicated grammar concepts, they are broken down into simple, following styles. More than 300 grammar exercises help you assess your level of learning and push you to do better.
Lastly, with the help of the audio narration in French, you can boost your learning & pronunciation skills.
6. The 500 Grammar Exercises A1 Book + Integrated Corrections (French Edition)
- Author- Anne Akyuz
- Publisher- Hachette Fle
- Publication Date- Dec 1, 2014
- Print Length- 222 Pages
- Language- French
- One of the best books for advanced learners
- It is marketed as DELF A1/A2 level
- Around 500 exercises for you to practice
- It helps you perfect your grammar usage
- You also polish your reading & writing skills
This is another French book to learn grammar for high-level learners. This book helps you practice and develop more high-end aspects of grammar and shows how to use them properly.
As this book is marketed at DELF A1/A2 exam level, it has the most complex grammar rules & regulations of the French language.
So, if you want to authorize your knowledge of French globally, this book is the right partner to study for those exams. But remember that this book is all in French. Thus, it is not ideal for anyone who does not have extensive knowledge of the language.
With this guide, you will be able to work on your reading and writing skills with proper grammar usage.
Lastly, there are more than 500 exercises that will keep you busy, keep you in check, and push you further.
7. GRAMMAIRE DES PREMIERS (TEMPS A1-A2) For Beginners in French
- Author- Dominique Abry& Marie-Laure Chalaron
- Publisher- PU GRENOBLE
- Publication Date- Jan 30, 2014
- Print Length- 288 Pages
- Language- French
- Good for self-study
- It covers A1 & A2 level of French language
- It comes with a CD for audio lessons
It is another French grammar book directed toward beginners. It comes with the range of tools you will require to polish your language knowledge.
The learning method of this book is relatively easy. There are grammar tables, well-defined explanations, and various exercises for better learning.
The best thing about this product is that it has a CD to help you practice grammar verbally. With the context of speaking & listening, you will be able to enhance your skills more.
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All the examples and exercises in the book use vocabulary that a French speaker uses daily.
So, do not worry about reading something too formal or literary for you not to understand.
Lastly, the usage of idioms alongside grammar ensures that your learning is authentic and not filled with unnatural phrases.
8. Begin Intermediate Level Of French With The 1st Edition From For Dummies
- Author- Laura K. Lawless
- Publisher- For Dummies
- Publication Date- Mar 4, 2008
- Print Length- 336 Pages
- Language- English
- You will get in-depth knowledge of French grammar
- You will be able to use a bilingual dictionary correctly
- Ideal if you are beginning your intermediate-level journey
- You will see a boost in your reading, writing, speaking & listening
- Learn to avoid most common writing mistakes
Many learners find it hard to understand a book about language from the native as the writer cannot understand what issues the reader from another language might face.
So, if you are an English speaker, this French learning book from a non-native French speaker is ideal.
The Intermediate French For Dummies offers to help you improve your writing skills and become a better speaker, listener, and reader.
The book holds practical examples and functional exercises to practice using the language like a native speaker. You get to build up vocabulary, learn numbers, use tenses, and have a better grasp on French style & usage.
Also, with the help of this book, you will be able to use fundamental grammar, understand grammatical gender, use a bilingual dictionary, and more.
Lastly, with great exercise, you have enough room to practice your skills & polish them.
9. Learn The French Subjunctive Up Close With 1st Edition Of Practice Makes Perfect Series
- Author- Annie Heminway
- Publisher- McGraw Hill
- Publication Date- Oct 4, 2011
- Print Length- 144 Pages
- Language- English
- Easy to understand learning material & examples
- Extensive exercises for you to practice
- It helps improve your sentence formation skills
- Complex nature made easy
- A book from a French native who teaches French literature, creative writing, grammar, & translation
One of the most common problems English speakers face while learning another language is the concept of the subjunctive.
It is a tricky concept in English, and it just goes beyond the limit for an exquisite language like French.
However, you must conquer this hurdle to have the perfect grasp of French. And thus, this book by Annie Heminway is for you. French subjunctive is an advanced level topic as it is a complex part. Still, this book helps you understand it in the easiest way possible.
Apart from the theory, you get ample exercises to practice understanding the concept better.
The best thing about this book is that its extensive examples are based on the conversational style to keep you engaged.
Furthermore, a unique answer key tells you the correct answer for the exercises and explains the reason behind it.
Lastly, this book from a native French teacher is exactly what you need to conquer your learning journey.
Top FAQs About Best French Grammar Book Online For Self Study
It depends. Suppose you are learning the language for leisure, future travel, or advancing your career. In that case, you do not need an authoritative seal to state your knowledge level.
However, if you wish to study in any university or college in France, you do need to take the DELF. The DILF/DELF/DALF is the french equivalent of the TOEFL & IELTS. The only difference is that there is no scoring system.
You are judged based on various tests that indicate your proficiency level.
The most advanced diploma you hold, the higher your proficiency in the language.
Is it okay to buy a french grammar book online?
Absolutely. It does not matter if you should buy a book online or offline.
It is good to own a book that helps you understand the basics of the language and guide you through it in a systematic manner.
Is French tough to learn?
The FSI scale ranks French as a “Category I Language,” meaning it is easy to learn.
However, the complexity of a language differs from learner to learner. For some people, learning something new is easy, while it is challenging for others.
So, do not get disheartened by the labels like easy, hard, & others. If you want to learn French or any other language, for that matter, do it.
You will see improvement & results with consistency & effort.
Is it worth it to learn French?
If you do not know, French is one of the world’s most spoken languages and the second most helpful business language.
French is associated with making its speakers creative. Plus, the language opens many career opportunities for you.
Furthermore, science claims that learning a new language is good for your brain.
So, if you want to get more innovative and advance in your career or get educational opportunities, French is a language to consider.
Which is the most complex language to learn?
Mandarin Chinese is the hardest & most challenging language to learn. It has been put in “Category IV” by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.
“Category IV” lists the most difficult languages to learn for people with English as their first language.
Conclusion
You can learn French both online & offline. But one crucial thing these learning styles require is an excellent french grammar book.
A book offers a systematic approach to learning and does not get you worked up.
We hope our list of top nine grammar books for learning French helps you on your journey of mastering a new language.
