In an age where communication is increasingly dependent on writing—whether through emails, social media, or professional documentation—having a solid grasp of English grammar has never been more important. The English Grammar Workbook for Adults by Michael DiGiacomo aims to bridge the gap many adults feel when it comes to writing with confidence and clarity. Designed as a self-study guide, this workbook is intended to help adult learners improve their grammar and functional writing skills without the need for classroom instruction.
This review provides an in-depth look at the book’s strengths, limitations, and whether it delivers on its promise of being a practical grammar improvement tool for adults.
Overview
Michael DiGiacomo, a veteran English language teacher and founder of the ESL website “Happy English,” has tailored this book specifically for adults who may have missed or forgotten key grammar concepts. The book is structured as a workbook rather than a traditional grammar textbook. It combines explanations of grammar topics with a wide range of exercises to reinforce learning through practice. The topics include parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, verb tenses, prepositions, and common grammar mistakes.
Divided into easily digestible chapters, each lesson begins with a concise explanation followed by multiple practice exercises. There’s a strong emphasis on practical grammar usage, especially in real-life contexts like email writing, workplace communication, and everyday conversations.
Pros
1. Clear, Accessible Language
One of the biggest strengths of this workbook is its straightforward, jargon-free approach. DiGiacomo explains grammar rules in plain English, which is particularly helpful for adults who may not have an academic background in linguistics or English studies. This accessibility makes the book less intimidating and more inviting to self-learners.
2. Practical and Functional Focus
Rather than focusing solely on abstract grammar rules, the book is oriented toward functional writing—i.e., grammar as it is used in daily communication. The examples and exercises mimic real-life situations such as writing an email to a coworker or creating a resume. This practical emphasis is particularly beneficial for professionals or non-native speakers looking to improve their communication in a work environment.
3. Engaging Workbook Format
Each chapter includes a balance of instruction and practice. The exercises vary from fill-in-the-blank to error correction to sentence rewriting, which keeps the learning process dynamic and engaging. The inclusion of answer keys allows learners to self-correct and reinforce their understanding immediately.
4. Well-Structured Progression
The workbook is logically organized, starting with foundational grammar concepts and gradually moving into more complex areas like verb tenses and conditionals. This makes it suitable for learners at different levels—whether they need a refresher or a deep dive.
5. Self-Paced Learning
Because it’s designed as a workbook, the user can go at their own pace, making it ideal for adult learners with busy schedules. You can complete a chapter a day or review specific topics as needed.
6. Great Supplementary Tool for ESL Learners
Although not exclusively for non-native speakers, this book works excellently as a supplementary tool for ESL students. The real-world application of grammar makes it especially useful for learners aiming to improve their functional English outside the classroom.
Cons
1. Limited Depth for Advanced Learners
While the book covers a broad range of grammar topics, it may not be suitable for those looking for advanced grammar instruction. Topics like complex sentence structures, academic writing nuances, and advanced punctuation rules (e.g., em dashes, colons in depth) are touched upon lightly or skipped altogether.
2. Lack of Thematic Variety
Some users may find the exercises a bit repetitive, especially those who are already somewhat familiar with basic grammar rules. While repetition is good for reinforcement, a bit more variety in content and format could have added more depth and interest.
3. No Diagnostic Assessment
A notable omission is the absence of a diagnostic test at the beginning. Such a feature would have helped learners identify their weak areas and focus on specific chapters accordingly, rather than having to progress linearly through the book.
4. Minimal Explanations for Complex Rules
While the explanations are clear and concise, they sometimes lack the depth needed to fully understand more complex grammar rules (e.g., conditionals, perfect tenses, or passive voice). Additional examples or a short “tips and tricks” section for tricky topics would have been helpful.
5. Limited Digital Integration
The workbook is entirely print-based, with no QR codes, audio aids, or online supplements. In today’s digital-first learning environment, many learners may expect some form of interactive content or video explanations.
Should You Learn from This Book?
Why You Should:
- If you’re an adult learner looking to improve your grammar without going back to school, this book is an excellent starting point.
- It’s ideal for professionals who want to communicate more effectively in writing, especially in emails and reports.
- ESL learners will benefit from the simple language, practical examples, and self-paced approach.
- It’s a budget-friendly resource compared to hiring a tutor or enrolling in an online grammar course.
Why You Might Not Want To:
- If you are already an advanced learner of English or aiming to master academic or literary writing, the content may feel too basic.
- Those who prefer multimedia learning tools or need interactive, visual aids might find the purely print format limiting.
- Learners who need formal test preparation (e.g., for TOEFL or IELTS) might find it lacking in targeted practice.
Final Verdict
The English Grammar Workbook for Adults by Michael DiGiacomo is a well-thought-out, practical guide tailored to adult learners seeking to brush up on their grammar in a functional and accessible way. It’s user-friendly, structured for self-study, and grounded in real-world use cases. While it may not satisfy the needs of advanced learners or those wanting a comprehensive deep dive into English grammar theory, it remains an excellent resource for its target audience.
Recommended for: Beginner to intermediate learners, ESL students, professionals, and self-motivated adults.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)
If you like, you can purchase it on Amazon.
