Grammar books

Recommended grammar, punctuation, and writing style books

While studying linguistics at university and researching his writing guidebook, Clear, Concise, Compelling, author Simon Hertnon read or browsed approximately 100 grammar books, punctuation books, writing style books, and books to help you to negotiate confusing words. Here are the ones he found most helpful.


The world’s bestselling writing style guidebook


Comprehensive grammar guide designed for 14 year-olds, but useful for anyone


47 pitfalls to avoid


Detailed grammar guidebook


Reference book in the style of The Chicago Manual of Style but from a British English perspective — features quantitative usage recommendations

Books that teach you how to choose the right word


A dictionary of the words we all confuse


A dictionary of troublesome words from the brilliant author of A Short History of Nearly Everything