Grammar Guides for Proofreaders, Editors, and Writers
Grammar guides are valuable resources for proofreaders, editors, and writers. English has lots of complex grammar rules and almost as many quirks and exceptions – so even the most experienced professionals need to double-check a rule from time to time.
That’s why it helps to have a few trusted grammar guides close at hand. In this post, we’ll share some of the most reliable grammar guides out there, from reference books to add to your shelf to online resources you can access anytime.
Why Use a Grammar Guide?
Even if you’re confident in your grammar knowledge, there will still be occasions when a sentence makes you stop and think, “Is that right?” It’s easy to lose track of time when you fall down a Google rabbit hole, but a good grammar guide will give you a clear, reliable answer straight away.
Grammar guides are also a useful way to keep your knowledge up-to-date. Rules evolve over time; usage that was once considered incorrect can become more widely accepted. Regularly checking reputable guides helps you stay up to speed with current conventions.
Best Books About English Grammar
If you like to keep a physical reference nearby, this list covers some of the most well-regarded grammar guides available.
1. Practical English Usage (4th edition) by Michael Swan
Practical English Usage is a long-respected grammar guide that has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. While it’s primarily aimed at people learning or teaching English as a foreign or second language, it’s also invaluable for proofreaders and editors who need quick, authoritative answers to grammar questions. Each topic is explained in clear, accessible language, with examples of correct usage and common mistakes to avoid.
2. English Grammar in Use (5th edition) by Raymond Murphy
Much like Practical English Usage, English Grammar in Use was written with learners and teachers of English in mind. However, its clear explanations and well-structured examples have made it a staple reference for anyone who works with words. Each grammar point is presented simply, with short exercises that reinforce your understanding. This makes it ideal for clarifying specific rules or refreshing your knowledge.
3. English Grammar for Dummies by Lesley J. Ward and Geraldine Woods
Written in the approachable For Dummies style, English Grammar for Dummies breaks down grammar concepts clearly and without jargon. Its straightforward explanations make it a handy refresher for proofreaders and editors who want to brush up on fundamentals or who need to explain tricky rules to others.
There are separate UK and US editions, so you can choose the version that matches the English dialect you work with.
4. Garner’s Modern English Usage (4th edition) by Bryan A. Garner
With over 6,000 entries, Garner’s Modern English Usage is one of the most comprehensive grammar resources available. Garner draws on linguistic research and real-world examples to show how grammar and usage evolve in practice. His “Language-Change Index” tracks where new or disputed usages fall on the scale from nonstandard to fully accepted – a feature that makes the book especially valuable for proofreaders and editors who want to make informed decisions when choosing between alternative usages.
In the latest edition, more than 2,000 entries have been revised to reflect the nuances of different English dialects. Entries now cover not only United States English but British, Canadian, South African, Australian, and New Zealand English as well.
5. Making Sense: The Glamorous Story of English Grammar by David Crystal
In Making Sense, linguist David Crystal explains the rules and irregularities of English grammar. This isn’t just a list of grammar rules, though! Crystal explores the ways in which grammar has evolved over time, how it varies across different dialects, and how it can be used for different purposes. This engaging, insightful book is ideal for proofreaders, editors, and writers who want to go beyond the surface and develop a deeper understanding of how grammar works in real life.
6. Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty
Based on the award-winning podcast of the same name, Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing offers clear, concise answers to common grammar, punctuation, and style questions. Mignon Fogarty – better known as Grammar Girl – tackles everyday writing challenges with humor, memory tricks, and straightforward explanations that make even tricky rules easy to remember. It’s a reliable and surprisingly fun grammar guide.
7. Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer
Written by Benjamin Dreyer, former copy chief and managing editor at Random House, Dreyer’s English distills years of professional experience into one comprehensive, funny grammar guide. Dreyer offers practical advice on punctuation, grammar, and word choice, as well as the subtler aspects of writing with clarity and flair.
It’s worth noting that this guide is sometimes quite opinionated, and Dreyer’s own preferences (and occasionally bugbears) are a leading factor in his descriptions of certain rules. Some declarations may need to be taken with a grain of salt!
Best Online Grammar Guides
While books make excellent long-term reference material, there are also plenty of online grammar guides worth bookmarking for quick checks while you’re working.
1. GrammarBook
GrammarBook provides straightforward explanations of key grammar rules through written guides and short videos. You can also test your knowledge with topic-based quizzes. The content reflects the guidance in The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation, but it’s freely accessible and regularly updated.
2. Grammar Monster
Grammar Monster explains grammar, punctuation, and common usage errors in short, focused articles. Every article includes examples and quick tips to help you remember key points. There are also hundreds of grammar tests and games if you’re looking for a fun way to reinforce your understanding!
3. Daily Writing Tips
Daily Writing Tips publishes short, easy-to-read articles about grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and style. It’s written by language professionals and updated regularly, making it a useful ongoing resource for anyone who works with words.
4. Grammar Girl
We mentioned Mignon Fogarty’s book earlier, but the Grammar Girl website is just as valuable. It’s the online home of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast series, and it includes hundreds of short, searchable articles explaining common grammar, punctuation, and usage questions. Each post combines humor with memorable examples, making grammar feel approachable rather than intimidating.
5. Cambridge Dictionary Grammar
Part of the Cambridge Dictionary website, Cambridge Dictionary Grammar provides clear, simple guides to over 500 grammar topics. All of the information is based on extensive research on the Cambridge English Corpus, with thousands of real-life examples to show how grammar is used in standard and nonstandard varieties of English.
Because it’s developed by a UK-based team at Cambridge University Press, many of its examples and explanations reflect British English usage. That makes it an especially valuable reference for proofreaders and editors who often work with UK clients or content.
The content is written and maintained by leading experts, making it one of the most reliable and up-to-date free grammar resources available online.
6. Merriam-Webster Grammar & Usage
Merriam-Webster’s Grammar & Usage section is an excellent go-to for anyone working in US English. It offers accessible, research-backed explanations of common grammar questions, tricky punctuation rules, and subtle differences in vocabulary.
Each entry draws on Merriam-Webster’s long-standing authority as a dictionary publisher, combining linguistic accuracy with real-world examples. What makes this resource stand out is its balance of tradition and modernity. Merriam-Webster recognizes how language changes over time, so its articles explain not only what’s technically correct but also what’s widely accepted in contemporary American English. Plus, many articles contain a vein of humor!
If you often edit or proofread American English texts – or want to deepen your understanding of how US grammar conventions differ from UK ones – Merriam-Webster’s Grammar & Usage area is well worth bookmarking.
Get a Handle on Grammar
Even if you’ve been working with words for years, there’s always more to learn about grammar. The best proofreaders, editors, and writers keep their knowledge fresh!
If you’d like to build your grammar skills further, take a look at our Becoming A Proofreader course. It includes an in-depth module on common grammar mistakes, as well as modules on punctuation, style, and other key proofreading skills – everything you need to proofread with confidence.
Try some free lessons today!
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