5 best books to learn French Grammar for English speakers

If you're an English speaker trying to learn French grammar, you've probably hit the same wall as everyone else: most grammar books are either too vague, too technical, or entirely written in French—before you're even ready.

The good news? There are French grammar books that are specifically designed for English speakers, with clear explanations, examples, and CEFR-level organisation (A1 to B2). Whether you're a beginner or moving into intermediate French, here are the 5 best books to learn French grammar as an English speaker, ranked by clarity, usefulness, and learner success. 

See also: Why books are still the best way to learn French grammar

1. Essential French Grammar Explained in English (A1–B2 series)

By The Francophone Collective

This is the only French grammar book series on Amazon that teaches grammar by CEFR level and explains every concept in clear, accessible English. The series includes separate books for A1, A2, B1, and B2 learners—each packed with in-depth chapters, contextual examples, and structured exercises.

Unlike traditional textbooks, the Essential French Grammar explained in English series is written with self-learners or those looking for supplementary materials in mind. Each chapter is structured like a reliable reference guide, almost like a grammar dictionary you can actually understand. It begins with a clear introduction outlining what you'll learn, followed by detailed explanations written in plain English. Dozens of practical examples—each paired with an English translation—make the rules easy to grasp. To reinforce your understanding, each chapter ends with targeted exercises and a full answer key, so you can test yourself and track your progress.

📘 Available on Amazon:

A1 Grammar Book – A2 Grammar Book – B1 Grammar Book – B2 Grammar Book

2. Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French Grammar

A longtime favourite among French learners, this book is part of the popular Practice Makes Perfect series. It's dense and thorough, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced learners. It offers hundreds of practice questions and includes answer keys, but it's entirely in French, which can be overwhelming for beginners or English speakers who need more guidance.

Best for: Students with a strong grammar foundation who want drill-heavy revision.

3. Easy French Step-by-Step

This beginner-friendly title breaks French down in a logical order, starting with basic grammar and progressing into sentence-building. It's widely recommended for self-learners, though it mixes grammar with vocabulary, so it's not a dedicated grammar book. English explanations are included, but some learners find it a bit thin when it comes to more advanced tenses or rules.

Best for: Absolute beginners who want a gradual intro to French.

4. English Grammar for Students of French

This classic is less a grammar workbook and more a bridge between English and French grammar. It helps English speakers understand how French grammar compares to English, which is great for figuring out structures like object pronouns or tense usage. However, it doesn't offer many exercises, so it's best used alongside another grammar-focused book.

Best for: Learners who struggle with "thinking in French" and want comparisons to English.

5. Collins Easy Learning French Grammar & Practice

By Collins Dictionaries

Compact, colourful, and clearly laid out, this is a great beginner/intermediate reference book. It covers all major grammar points with examples and short explanations, but like many traditional formats, it can be dry and lacks deeper explanations or context. Still, it's a good supplement for learners using apps or online classes.

Best for: Visual learners and quick grammar look-ups.

Final Thoughts: What's the Best French Grammar Book for English Speakers?

If you want a clear, structured path from A1 to B2 and you prefer explanations in English with real examples, the Essential French Grammar for English Speakers series is the top choice. It's built for clarity, not confusion—so you can focus on actually learning French, not deciphering your textbook.

Whether you're just starting with le présent or diving into le subjonctif, you'll find grammar chapters that match your level and help you grow confidently. No more bouncing between random websites or struggling with all-French textbooks. This series is made for English speakers who want to learn French grammar once and for all.