Author: Raymond Murphy
Edition: Most recent
Audience: Intermediate English learners, self-study students, classroom learners
Category: Language Learning / Grammar / ESL
Raymond Murphy’s English Grammar in Use is widely regarded as one of the most effective grammar books ever written for learners of English as a second or foreign language. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide and countless translations, this book has become a staple in English classrooms and among self-learners alike. The eBook edition — English Grammar in Use Book with Answers: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English — retains all the strengths of the original while adding the convenience of digital access.
This review focuses on the eBook version, evaluating its structure, clarity, content, usability, and suitability for intermediate learners aiming to improve their grammar skills, either independently or as a supplement to formal instruction.
Clear Structure and User-Friendly Format
One of the defining strengths of Murphy’s book is its intuitive two-page layout per unit: the left-hand page explains a grammar point, while the right-hand page provides exercises for practice. This design is simple yet highly effective, allowing learners to immediately apply what they’ve read. The eBook preserves this format perfectly, with clear navigation and crisp page layout that makes learning on a tablet, computer, or phone smooth and efficient.
There are 145 grammar units, carefully organized to progress from simpler topics (like present simple and past simple) to more complex ones (like reported speech, conditionals, or passive voice). However, the book doesn’t require you to follow it sequentially. It’s flexible: learners can jump to any section as needed, making it excellent as both a learning tool and a reference guide.
Clarity of Explanations
Murphy is famous for his ability to explain complex grammar in clear, straightforward language. The book avoids technical jargon and instead uses simple terms and numerous examples. Each grammar point is explained concisely and followed by examples of real-life usage. For instance, a unit on the present perfect tense will not only show how it’s formed but will also highlight why and when it’s used, distinguishing it clearly from similar tenses like the past simple.
For intermediate learners who often get confused by subtle grammar distinctions, this book offers the clarity they need without oversimplifying. Grammar rules are presented with a strong emphasis on usage, making them more meaningful and easier to retain.
Practical and Extensive Exercises
The accompanying exercises are one of the book’s greatest assets. Each unit includes a variety of questions — multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, sentence transformation, and more — designed to help learners test their understanding. These exercises are neither too easy nor overwhelmingly difficult, striking the right balance for intermediate users.
The eBook with answers is especially useful for self-study, as learners can immediately check their responses and correct mistakes on their own. This encourages independent learning and self-correction, two vital components for building confidence and fluency.
There’s also a study guide at the back of the book that helps users identify which units to study based on the types of errors they make — a thoughtful and helpful feature.
Digital Features and Accessibility
The eBook version is highly accessible and convenient. Navigation is smooth, with clickable links between the table of contents and individual units. Users can easily zoom in on examples, highlight key sections, and quickly switch between the explanation and practice pages. It’s ideal for learners who prefer studying on the go, especially with tablets or e-readers.
However, the exercises in the eBook are not interactive — users must complete them using a separate notebook or digital note app. This may be slightly less convenient than grammar apps with auto-correct features, but the overall value of the exercises remains high.
Suitable for a Wide Range of Learners
Although the title says “intermediate,” the book is suitable for both high-beginner to upper-intermediate learners. Even advanced learners can benefit from revisiting certain units, especially those covering tricky tenses or sentence structures that are often misused in writing and speech.
It’s also an excellent resource for teachers, who can use individual units as the basis for classroom lessons or grammar workshops. The clarity of instruction and structure makes it adaptable to both formal and informal teaching environments.
Final Thoughts
Raymond Murphy’s English Grammar in Use remains one of the most trusted and effective grammar books in the world — and for good reason. The eBook version delivers all the benefits of the original in a digital, portable format, making it ideal for learners who want to study independently and flexibly.
With clear explanations, practical examples, guided exercises, and comprehensive coverage of key grammar points, this book is a must-have resource for any English learner working toward fluency.
While it may not offer interactive digital features like some apps, its tried-and-tested method, strong pedagogical foundation, and accessible language more than make up for it.
You can purchase it on Amazon.
