Developed by Raymond Murphy, a former English teacher turned author, English Grammar in Use was born out of a real classroom need. Struggling to find suitable grammar books for his adult learners in the late 1970s, Murphy began creating his own worksheets – clear explanations, real-life examples, and plenty of practice. These became the foundation for what would eventually be published by Cambridge University Press, after Murphy’s pitch was accepted by the only publisher who saw its potential.
Since then, the Grammar in Use series has grown into a flexible, learner-friendly, and highly trusted grammar reference for self-study and classroom use.
A Timeless Resource for All Learners
The Grammar in Use series includes:
- Essential Grammar in Use (Beginner to Elementary, CEFR A1–B1)
- English Grammar in Use (Intermediate, CEFR B1–B2)
- Advanced Grammar in Use (Advanced, CEFR C1–C2)
Key features:
- Simple grammar explanations with everyday examples
- Practice exercises with answer keys
- Unique two-page layout for ease of use
- Digital support via Cambridge One, including eBooks, audio, and online practice www.cambridgeone.org
Although originally created for self-study, the series is now widely used by teachers and students in classrooms worldwide. Its enduring popularity lies in its clarity, accessibility, and comprehensiveness, with learners often keeping their copies for years as go-to reference books.
Global Reach and Continued Relevance
- Over 30 million print copies sold since 1985, reaching an estimated 100+ million users, including libraries and classrooms.
- The intermediate British English edition, known as English Grammar in Use or the “Blue Murphy”, remains the top global seller.
- In Japan and South Korea, Basic Grammar in Use is the current favourite, while in Europe—including the UK, Germany, and Italy—the intermediate level leads sales.
- Available in bilingual editions (e.g., Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, Italian), the series bridges the gap for lower-level learners while maintaining English-only versions for those ready to immerse themselves fully.
What sets English Grammar in Use apart from free resources, and why is it still popular even now? According to teachers and learners, it’s the quality, trustworthiness, and abundance of clear, practical examples that build accurate grammatical understanding. Reviews from learners and teachers, on websites and social media platforms, often refer to the simplicity, the clarity and all the practice opportunities that the Grammar in Use series is famous for. The books are also very comprehensive, covering hundreds of grammar points and providing clear explanations for even the trickiest aspects of the English language. Unlike free content on YouTube or other social media platforms, teachers and learners know that they can trust English Grammar in Use and will find not only clear explanations but also lots of opportunities to practice what they’ve learned. It seems that if learners of English are going to buy one book, then Grammar in Use is the book they buy.
Celebrating a Legacy of Empowerment
“For four decades, English Grammar in Use has helped people unlock opportunities through English,” said a spokesperson from Cambridge University Press & Assessment. “It’s more than a book – it’s a trusted companion in every learner’s journey. We’re proud to celebrate its legacy and excited to support the next generation of English users.”
About Cambridge University Press & Assessment
We are part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge.
We believe that English can unlock a lifetime of experiences and, together with teachers and our partners, we help people to learn and confidently prove their skills to the world. We do this by creating learning and assessment experiences that could only come from Cambridge.
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Find out more at cambridge.org/english
Learn more about English Grammar in Use and join the celebration:
https://www.cambridge.org/sg/cambridgeenglish/in-use
Source: Cambridge Assessment Singapore
Reporter: PR Wire
Editor: PR Wire
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