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Best English books to improve vocabulary: Have you ever felt tongue-tied while trying to express yourself in English? If yes, then a strong vocabulary is the key to clear communication and unlocking the richness of the language. It does not matter if you are a beginner or have some basic knowledge of the English language, expanding your vocabulary is an ongoing journey. Therefore, in this blog, you will find out the most traditional yet effective methods of improving your English language skills, that is learning from the best English vocabulary books from scratch to hatch.
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Must Read: Learn English Grammar from Scratch
List of 10 Best English Vocabulary Books for Beginners
While there are many ways to learn new words, high-quality vocabulary books offer a structured approach with clear explanations, engaging exercises, and a wealth of resources. So, let us explore some of the best options you can choose on a beginner’s level.
| S.No. | Best English Vocabulary Books | Author/Publication |
| 1. | English Vocabulary in Use Elementry | Cambridge University Press |
| 2. | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| 3. | Vocabulary for IELTS with Online Practice | Collins |
| 4. | The Vocabulary Builder Workbook | Norman Lewis |
| 5. | Advanced Learner’s Dictionary | Merriam Webster |
| 6. | The Black Book of English Vocabulary | Nikhil Gupta |
| 7. | Oxford Learner’s Pocket Word Skills | Redman Stuart |
| 8. | Instant Vocabulary | Ida Ehrlich |
| 9. | 30 days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Wilfred J Funk |
| 10. | All About Words | Maxwell Nurnberg |
5 English Books to Improve Vocabulary for Advanced Learning
If in case you are already familiar with the basic grammar rules and English vocabulary, then you should follow these advanced vocabulary books. These are ideal for those who want to go beyond memorisation and build a strong foundation for advanced vocabulary acquisition.
| S.No. | Best English Vocabulary Books | Author/Publication |
| 1. | The Elements of Style | William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White |
| 2. | 1100 Words You Need to Know | Murray Bromberg and Melvin Gordon |
| 3. | The Vocabulary Builder Workbook | Chris Lele |
| 4. | English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced | Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell |
| 5. | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
While primarily known as a style guide, “The Elements of Style” is invaluable for those looking to improve their vocabulary and overall writing skills. It is a concise yet comprehensive resource on the fundamentals of English style and grammar. It helps advanced learners refine their language by focusing on clarity, conciseness, and precision.
Key Features:
- Concise Guidelines: Offers clear and concise rules for writing correctly and effectively.
- Vocabulary Enrichment: Through its examples and exercises, it introduces a wide range of vocabulary.
- Timeless Advice: The principles outlined in the book are timeless and applicable to all forms of writing.
1100 Words You Need to Know by Murray Bromberg and Melvin Gordon
This book is tailored for learners aiming to build a robust vocabulary for academic and professional success. It is structured around 1100 essential words that are frequently encountered in standardised tests and advanced literature. It is particularly effective if you are preparing for exams like the GRE or SAT exam.
Key Features:
- Daily Lessons: The book is divided into manageable daily lessons, each focusing on a set of new words.
- Contextual Learning: Words are presented in context, with example sentences and idiomatic expressions.
- Review Exercises: Regular quizzes and reviews help reinforce the learned vocabulary.
The Vocabulary Builder Workbook by Chris Lele
This workbook is designed to help learners build a vast vocabulary through practical exercises and engaging activities. It is suitable for both self-study and classroom use. It stands out due to its interactive and hands-on approach to learning.
Key Features:
- Progressive Learning: Words are introduced gradually, with each chapter building on the previous one.
- Interactive Exercises: Includes a variety of exercises such as word searches, crosswords, and matching games.
- Thematic Organisation: Words are grouped thematically, aiding in better retention and understanding.
English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell
Part of the widely acclaimed “English Vocabulary in Use” series, the advanced edition is specifically tailored for high-level learners looking to refine their vocabulary further. It is highly effective due to its systematic approach and extensive coverage.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers a wide range of topics and themes, ensuring a broad vocabulary base.
- Practical Examples: Provides real-life examples and usage notes to help understand the nuances of words.
- Self-Study Focused: Designed for self-study, with clear explanations and plenty of practice exercises.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Equally suitable for basic and advanced learning, “Word Power Made Easy” is a classic vocabulary-building book that has been a favourite among learners for decades. It is designed to help you expand your vocabulary through systematic and engaging methods.
Key Features:
- Structured Learning: The book is organised into easy-to-follow sessions that introduce new words and reinforce them through practice exercises.
- Etymology Insights: Understanding the roots and origins of words helps in remembering them more effectively.
- Practical Usage: It focuses on the practical application of words in everyday language, making it highly relevant for advanced learners.
7 Bonus Tips to Improve English Vocabulary with Ease
Improving your English vocabulary is a rewarding process that can significantly enhance your communication skills. Here are several effective strategies to help you expand your vocabulary:
- Read Regularly: Reading a wide variety of materials, such as books, newspapers, and magazines, exposes you to new words in context. Try to read different genres to encounter diverse vocabulary.
- Use a Dictionary and Vocabulary Books: Keep a dictionary handy to look up unfamiliar words and discover synonyms. This helps deepen your understanding of word meanings and nuances.
- Learn a Word a Day: Make it a habit to learn a new word every day. Use it in sentences throughout the day to reinforce your memory and understanding.
- Engage in Conversations: Participate in discussions and conversations with native speakers or other learners. This practical use of language helps reinforce new vocabulary.
- Write Regularly: Writing essays, stories, or even journal entries can help solidify new vocabulary. Try to use new words in your writing to ensure you remember them.
- Use Vocabulary Apps: There are many apps designed to help you build your vocabulary, such as Duolingo, Anki, Quizlet, and Memrise. These apps often use spaced repetition to improve retention.
- Watch Movies and TV Shows: Watching movies and TV shows in English can help you learn new words and phrases. Subtitles can be useful for learning spelling and pronunciation.
FAQs
You can improve your English vocabulary by incorporating a habit of reading, writing, and listening to English content into your daily routine.
Fluency in English comes from consistent practice and exposure to the language. One of the effective majors you can adapt is talking to native speakers whenever possible. Join conversation groups, or online language exchanges, or take classes with a speaking focus.
English Vocabulary in Use Elementry; Word Power Made Easy; and Vocabulary for IELTS with Online Practice are some of the best books to improve your English vocabulary.
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This was all about the best English books to improve your vocabulary as a beginner and advanced learner. Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to grammar.
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