Essential grammar in use (1993)

The place to start if you are a beginner working on your own. Raymond Murphy's elementary book covers roughly A1 to B1, and every unit is a two-page spread: a short explanation of one point on the left, exercises on it on the right. That layout means you can do a unit in one sitting and know exactly what you have practiced. A Study Guide helps you find the units you actually need instead of working through from page one, which saves time for adults who already know some English. Buy the edition with answers for self-study; the version without answers is meant for classes.