35 Best Books to Improve Vocabulary
When you are learning the English language, improving vocabulary is one of the first things you should focus on. After all, without a strong foundation of words, it will be difficult to understand and communicate with others. But building your vocabulary doesn’t have to be boring. Plenty of great books out there can help you improve your English vocabulary while also providing entertainment. You can also find an English paragraph for reading easily online in your favourite blogs and journals.
In this blog, you’ll find recommendations for the best English vocabulary books across all genres, from fiction to non-fiction to children’s books. We will cover all corners of English learners reading resources. So whether you’re looking to expand your word knowledge or simply want to enjoy a good book, you’ll find something here to suit your needs.
Best Books to Build Vocabulary for Beginners
Webster’s First Dictionary
Of all the books to read to improve your English vocabulary straight away, this is our recommendation. A dictionary that provides clear definitions and example sentences for over 8,000 words.
The Oxford Picture Dictionary
One of our essential books that improve your vocabulary in the English language: a picture dictionary that uses images to help explain the meaning of words.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Improve your English with this brain teaser from Norman Lewis. A comprehensive guide to building English vocabulary, with exercises and tips for remembering new words. This is one of the best books to increase vocabulary.
Vocabulary Cartoons by Hoopoe Books
Finding good books to improve vocabulary doesn’t have to be hard. Enjoy this fun and illustrated way to learn new words, with over 1,000 words included.
The Oxford Dictionary of English
The Oxford Dictionary of English is a comprehensive dictionary that provides clear definitions and example sentences for over 8,000 words. It is perfect for beginner English learners who want to improve their vocabulary.
The Cambridge Dictionary of American English
The Cambridge Dictionary of American English is another fantastic choice if you are looking for a resource for words and their meaning.
Best Books to Improve Vocabulary for Intermediate and Advanced English Learners
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary
Wondering how to build a better vocabulary? Webster’s Third New International Dictionary is a comprehensive dictionary. It’s perfect for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to improve their vocabulary.
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
The Elements of Style is a classic guide to writing that covers grammar, style, and usage.
A Frequency Dictionary of Contemporary American English
Wanting to improve your English vocabulary? A Frequency Dictionary of Contemporary American English is a great resource for intermediate and advanced learners who want to improve their vocabulary. The book provides clear definitions and example sentences.
The Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style is a classic style guide that covers grammar, punctuation, and usage. It is perfect for intermediate and advanced English learners who are looking at how to use vocabulary effectively.
The Associated Press Stylebook
The Associated Press Stylebook is a style guide that covers grammar, punctuation, and usage. It is perfect for intermediate and advanced English learners.
Best Classic Novels for Improving Vocabulary
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is one of the best novels to improve English vocabulary. It is a novel about a teenage boy who is struggling to find his place in the world. The novel is set in New York City and follows the boy as he wanders around the city, meeting different people and learning about life. The novel is full of rich vocabulary that will help English language learners.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel about a young girl, Scout, who witnesses the trial of a black man accused of a crime he did not commit. The novel is set in the American South during the 1930s and explores the themes of racism and injustice.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is a novel about the Roaring Twenties in America. The book follows the lives of the wealthy and privileged as they party and drinks their way through life. The novel is full of extensive vocabulary that will help readers increase their vocabulary.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Lord of the Flies is a novel about a group of boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island. The novel explores the themes of human nature and savagery. The novel is written in clear, concise language that makes it perfect for readers who are looking to improve their vocabulary skills.
1984 by George Orwell
1984 is a novel about a dystopian society that is controlled by the government. The novel explores the themes of control and conformity. The novel is written in clear, concise language that makes it perfect for readers who are looking to learn good vocabulary words.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath is a modern classic about the Great Depression in America. The book follows the Joad family as they travel west in search of a better life. The novel is full of rich vocabulary that will help readers improve their English.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game is a novel about a young boy who is training to be a soldier in a future war. The novel is full of rich vocabulary that will help readers build vocabulary.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games is a novel about a dystopian society where children are forced to compete in a televised death match. The novel explores the themes of control and violence. This book is a popular choice for English students.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series is a series of novels about a young wizard who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series is full of rich vocabulary that will help readers improve their English vocab.
Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Books to expand your vocabulary
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Giver is a novel about a young boy who lives in a dystopian society where emotions are controlled by the government. The novel explores the themes of control and freedom. The novel is written in clear, concise language that makes it perfect for readers who are looking to improve their English word bank.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Dune is a novel about a young man who is training to be a leader in a future war. The novel is full of rich vocabulary that will help readers improve their English vocab.
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Jurassic Park is a novel about a theme park that is populated by dinosaurs. The novel explores the themes of science and technology. The novel is written in clear, concise language that makes it perfect for English readers.
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Martian is a novel about an astronaut who is stranded on Mars. The novel explores the themes of science and technology. The novel is written in clear, concise language and full of useful words and phrases to improve your English language skills.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Ready Player One is a novel about a young man who is living in a future where the world is virtual reality. The novel explores the themes of science and technology.
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
Words of Radiance is a novel about a group of friends who are training to be soldiers in a future war. It contains English characters speaking their native language which can help you learn simple grammar.
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Mistborn: The Final Empire is a novel about a group of friends who are trying to overthrow the government in a dystopian society. The novel is full of rich vocabulary that will help readers wanting to learn words and conversational style.
Best Seller English Books for Vocabulary
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a novel about a young woman who is investigating a series of murders. The novel is a great resource to increase your daily vocabulary.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl is a novel about a woman who goes missing and her husband becomes suspected of murder. The novel explores the themes of marriage and relationships. The novel is written in clear, concise language that makes it perfect for readers who are looking to improve their style of reading.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code is a novel about a man who is investigating a series of murders. The novel explores the themes of religion and history. This English novel is written clearly so you can gradually learn the best vocabulary.
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
Angels & Demons is a novel about a man who is investigating a series of murders. The novel explores the themes of religion and history. This instant bestseller contains good vocabulary words and is an American classic.
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold by John le Carré
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold delves into the complexities of espionage, the moral dilemmas faced by spies, and the harsh realities of the Cold War era. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the spy’s life, the treacherous nature of the intelligence game, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of national security.
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
The Silence of the Lambs is a novel about a young woman who is investigating a series of murders. The novel explores the themes of crime and psychology. The novel is written in clear, concise language that makes it perfect for readers who are looking to improve their English reading.
Misery by Stephen King
Misery is a novel about a woman who is stranded with a man who has been injured in a car accident. The novel explores the themes of fear and isolation. The novel is perfect for readers who are looking to improve their English.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Girl on the Train is a novel about a woman who is investigating a series of murders. The novel explores the themes of crime and psychology. A classic novel like this one is sure to help you build a robust English vocabulary in no time.
Conclusion
If you’re just starting to learn English, vocabulary is probably the first thing you should focus on. After all, without a basic understanding of words, it will be difficult to communicate with others or understand what they’re saying. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help you build your vocabulary. This blog has compiled a list of some of the best books from all genres to help you improve your English vocabulary. Whether you’re looking for a classic novel or a more modern text, you’re sure to find something on this list that will help you expand your word knowledge. So what are you waiting for? Start reading today and see your English skills improve in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a number of strategies that you can use to enrich your vocabulary. One effective approach is to keep a journal where you record new or interesting words that you come across. You can also look up the definitions of these words and practice using them in sentences. Another strategy is to read as much as possible, as this will expose you to a wide range of vocabulary.
Research has shown that reading books can help to improve vocabulary knowledge, even in older adults. In one study, participants were asked to read aloud for four minutes a day over a period of four weeks. The results showed that those who took part in the intervention had significantly higher scores on a vocabulary test than those who did not read aloud. Furthermore, the participants who read aloud for longer periods of time made more progress on the test than those who read for shorter periods.
A rich vocabulary can help you communicate more effectively, understand complex concepts, and think more clearly. So how can you improve your vocabulary in just 30 days? First, take stock of the words you already know. Make a list of all the words you feel confident using, then challenge yourself to use them in new and different ways. Next, familiarize yourself with common root words and prefixes. By understanding the meaning of these building blocks, you can decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words more easily. Finally, make a point of learning at least one new word every day. Keep a notebook or create a file on your computer where you can store new words and their definitions.
There are many steps that you can take to improve your English fluency. First, it is important to make a commitment to practice regularly. Set aside time each day to read, write, and speak in English. It is also helpful to find a language partner or join an English conversation group. This will give you the opportunity to practice using English in a real-world setting. Additionally, it is helpful to immerse yourself in the language by reading English books and watching English movies. By taking these steps, you can gradually improve your English fluency.
A great way to start is by keeping a notebook or journal dedicated to new words. Whenever you come across a word you don’t know, take the time to look it up and write it down in your notebook. In addition, try to work new words into your everyday conversations. This will not only help you to remember the words, but will also help you to understand how they are used in context.
By immersing yourself in the language, you can quickly learn new vocabulary and expressions. In addition, novels often use complex sentence structures, which can help you to develop your grammatical proficiency. Of course, it is important to choose the right novels. If you are a beginner, look for books that are specifically designed for language learners. These books often have simplified text and include a glossary of difficult words. As your English skills improve, you can challenge yourself with more advanced novels.
One option is to use a physical dictionary. Simply locate the word in the alphabetical listings and read the definition. However, this can be time-consuming, and it can be difficult to find the right word if you’re unsure of how to spell it. Another option is to use an online dictionary. This can be faster, as you can simply type in the word and get results almost immediately. However, you’ll need to have an internet connection, and not all words will be listed.
By reading extensively, you will be exposed to a wide range of words, many of which you may not be familiar with. As you encounter new words, take the time to look them up in a dictionary or online. In addition, try to use the new word in conversation or in writing to help cement it in your memory. With time and practice, you will develop a sizable vocabulary that will serve you well in both everyday life and academic pursuits.
When you are studying a vocabulary book, there are a few different approaches you can take. One effective method is to create a system of index cards, with each card featuring a word on one side and the definition on the other. You can then shuffle through the cards and quiz yourself on the definitions. Another option is to use a software program that tests you on vocabulary words; this can be especially helpful if you can find a program that includes audio files so that you can also practice pronouncing the words. Additionally, many vocabulary books will offer exercises and games that can help you learn the material in a fun and engaging way.
How to Improve Your English with Lilly
Books are a great way to improve your vocabulary. They expose you to new words and help you understand their meaning. However, not all books are created equal. Some are better than others at teaching new vocabulary. The books on this list are some of the best books to help you improve your English vocabulary.
LillyPad is an Ai learning app that helps English learners build their vocabulary. The app includes a library of hundreds of popular books, each of which has been carefully selected to help users learn new words. In addition, the app provides definitions, example sentences, and audio pronunciations for each word, making it easy for users to understand and remember new vocabulary.
Lilly’s Library
Lilly’s dynamic sourcing tools, and the catch-all personal Library, offer members the opportunity to enjoy the entire LillyPad experience with just about any material that they can get their mouse on. This includes digital books (free & purchased), articles, news, blogs, PDFs, TedTalks, and more!
The Learning Pads
LillyPad incorporates four powerful Learning Pads which are all guided by Lilly. All problematic words or what we like to refer to as “opportunity words” which are experienced during a member’s reading session are collected, tracked, and delivered for practice across the Learning Pads via our spaced repetition algorithm. The unique ability to collect, track, and deliver each member’s personal “opportunity words” significantly enhances the individual’s opportunity to progress. The Learning Pads include Lilly’s Gold, Spelling, Pronunciation, and Vocabulary.
Learn from History – Follow the Science – Listen to the Experts
What’s the one thing that makes LillyPad so special? Lilly! She is a personal English tutor, and has people talking all over the world! Lilly makes improving your English easy. With Lilly, you can read in four different ways, and you can read just about anything you love. And learning with Lilly, well that’s what you call liberating!
For learners of all ages striving to improve their English, LillyPad combines the most scientifically studied and recommended path to achieving English fluency and proficiency with today’s most brilliant technologies!
Additionally, the platform incorporates goal-setting capabilities, essential tracking & reporting, gamification, anywhere-anytime convenience, and significant cost savings in comparison to traditional tutoring methodologies.
At LillyPad, everything we do is focused on delivering a personalized journey that is meaningful and life-changing for our members. LillyPad isn’t just the next chapter in English learning…
…it’s a whole new story!
Do you want to improve your English? Visit www.lillypad.ai.
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Bethany MacDonald
Bethany MacDonald has contributed articles LillyPad.ai since 2020. As their Blog Lead, she specialises in informative pieces on culture, education, and language learning
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