French Language Courses

8 Popular Books for Learning French Language

Most, if not all of the many French language books put a claim of being the "best," the "most comprehensive," the "most reliable," the "most concise," the "easiest to understand," and other claims of being the most out of the most. So much of the most, that an individual trying to learn French might be lost. Which are the best books to learn the French language? Which is the correct French grammar book? Which is the appropriate French dictionary?

To avoid pages of havoc, check out some of the reliable French language books that are really helpful.

1. Le Bon Usage. This is the acclaimed French grammar bible. Among the existing grammar books, "Le Bon Usage" is considered the most thorough. The original publication was in 1936 and has been already republished over and over again. Fluent French speakers still rely so much on this book. Native speakers recommend and seek "Le Bon Usage" if there are key aspects of the French grammar that they want to explain or understand.

2. Precis de grammaire francaise. This book tackles advanced lessons on French grammar. As "Le Bon Usage's" abridged version, "Precis de grammaire francaise" has lesser complications compared to the unabridged book parent.

3. Langenscheidt Pocket French Grammar. This handy small book presents concise but well detailed explanations of the French grammar from the beginning to the intermediate levels. It also contains sections on synonyms, false cognates, idioms and more lessons about effective French communication.

4. Essential French Grammar. This small book lets grammar go off the hook for a little so that a French learner will be able to concentrate better on useful everyday communication. However, it is not a misnomer because it offers just the right amount of grammar that will practically help on understanding and speaking French, without worrying a lot about grammar's specific details.

5. Manuel de composition francaise. This book manual is designed to help improve skills in French writing and it also contains excellent grammatical explanations emphasizing on vocabulary and correct verb usage.

6. Collage : Revision de grammaire. This book presents clearer French explanations, practice exercises, and many examples with lists in bilingual vocabulary.

7. Berlitz French Grammar Handbook. This is a good choice for a reference especially for students at the upper-beginning level. This handbook provides explanations of basic-to-intermediate grammar lessons, vocabulary, and verbs.

8. English Grammar for Students of French. This book provides explanations of grammar points in French alongside the English equivalent. With the use of a simple language, examples of comparison and contrast of French and English grammar, this one is an easy to understand mini-grammar lesson for students of French language.


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