Top French Grammar Books
There are hundreds, maybe thousands of French grammar books available, each claiming to be the "best," the "most concise," the "most complete," etc. Obviously they can't all be the best, and in fact one of them must, by definition, be the worst. How do you know which is which? Well, that's where I come in - I have more than a dozen French grammar books, many of which I use regularly, and others which I might as well throw away. Here are my favorite grammar books: the ones that I use every day as well as those I've grown beyond, but keep because they once helped me so much. (The parentheses indicate the working language(s) of each book.)
1) Le Bon Usage
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 aspect of French grammar. French only
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2)
Précis
de grammaire française
A very abridged version of Le Bon Usage, this book covers advanced French grammar and is
less complicated than its unabridged
parent. (French)
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3) Collage : Révision de grammaire
This is my favorite intermediate grammar book, and the one I always reach for first. Although it is nowhere near as thorough as the Grévisse books above, its explanations are clearer. In addition, there are lots of examples and practice exercises. (French explanations and examples with bilingual vocabulary lists)
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4) Manuel
de composition française
As the title indicates, this book focuses on helping you to improve your French writing skills, but it also
includes excellent grammar explanations, with an emphasis on verbs and
vocabulary. (French)
5) Langenscheidt Pocket French Grammar
This tiny book offers very concise yet detailed explanations of beginning-to-intermediate French grammar, including some excellent explanations that I have never found anywhere else. It also has sections on effective communication, synonyms, idioms, false cognates, and more. A very handy little book. (English)
6)
Berlitz French Grammar
Handbook
A good reference for upper-beginning students, this handbook explains
basic-to-intermediate French grammar, verbs, and vocabulary. (English)
7) Essential French Grammar
This little book de-emphasises grammar in order 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)
8) English Grammar for Students of French
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)
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