The 8 Best French Grammar Books for Language Learners of 2023

Master French grammar with these helpful guides.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

A time-tested method to learning a new language is the grammar book. Reading and writing in books is an efficient way to become familiar with a new language. But some books are more efficient than others. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of French grammar books alone available on the market. With many claiming to be the "best," the "most concise," or the "most complete," picking one book over another can be an overwhelming task. There is also the matter of learning preferences and levels to consider. Regardless of a grammar book's quality, it if isn't tailored to your level it won't be effective.

After a review of dozens of French grammar books, we have identified a range of books as our favorites. These books do not all have the same approach or format, and they target learners ranging from beginner to advanced. This list includes books that we use every day as well as the ones we keep around because they have been so helpful in the past.

Le Bon Usage

Le Bon Usage

Amazon

Originally published in 1936, this is the bible of French grammar—the most thorough French grammar book that exists. It has been republished more than a dozen times and is a must for translators. This is the book that native speakers refer to when they want to understand or explain some aspects of French grammar. (French only)

Le Petit Grevisse

Le Petit Grevisse

Amazon

Previous editions of this very abridged version of Le Bon Usage were called Précis de Grammaire Française. It covers advanced French grammar but is less complicated than its unabridged parent. (French)

Intermediate French for Dummies

Intermediate French for Dummies

Amazon

Laura K. Lawless is the author of this workbook that covers high-beginning to intermediate grammar. It includes lessons and practice exercises. (English explanations and bilingual examples)

Collage: Révision de Grammaire

Collage: Révision de Grammaire

Amazon

 Although it is nowhere near as thorough as the Grévisse books, Collage's explanations are clearer than those in the books already mentioned in this list. There are also lots of examples and practice exercises. (French explanations and examples with bilingual vocabulary lists)

Manuel de Composition Française

Manuel de Composition Française

Amazon

As the title indicates, this book focuses on helping you improve your French writing skills, but it also includes excellent grammar explanations, with an emphasis on verbs and vocabulary. (French)

Berlitz French Grammar Handbook

Berlitz French Grammar Handbook

Amazon

A good reference for upper-beginner level students, this handbook explains basic-to-intermediate French grammar, verbs, and vocabulary. (English)

Essential French Grammar

This little book de-emphasizes grammar to concentrate on communication, offering just enough grammar to help you work on speaking and understanding French, without getting bogged down in the details. (English)

English Grammar for Students of French

English Grammar for Students of French

Amazon

If you don't know the difference between pronouns and prepositions—in French or English—this is the book for you. It explains French grammar points alongside their English counterparts, using simple language and examples to compare and contrast the grammar in these two languages. It's like a mini-grammar class for French students. (English)

Format
mla apa chicago
Your Citation
Editors, ThoughtCo. "The 8 Best French Grammar Books for Language Learners of 2023." ThoughtCo, Apr. 6, 2023, thoughtco.com/french-grammar-books-4776416. Editors, ThoughtCo. (2023, April 6). The 8 Best French Grammar Books for Language Learners of 2023. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/french-grammar-books-4776416 Editors, ThoughtCo. "The 8 Best French Grammar Books for Language Learners of 2023." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/french-grammar-books-4776416 (accessed June 10, 2023).