Which GRAMMAR IN USE Do You Need?

Summary

In this video, the speaker compares two popular grammar books for English learners: 'English Grammar in Use for Intermediate Learners' by Raymond Murphy ('Blue Murphy') and 'Advanced Grammar in Use' by Martin Hewings ('Green non-Murphy'). The comparison covers key differences in content, structure, and exercises. While 'Blue Murphy' is suitable for Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate learners, providing a broad foundation in grammar, 'Green non-Murphy' delves into more complex, academic grammar topics. The speaker concludes that 'Blue Murphy' is sufficient for most learners, while 'Green non-Murphy' is ideal for those pursuing advanced proficiency or academic mastery.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Blue Murphy* (English Grammar in Use for Intermediate Learners) is ideal for Intermediate and Upper-Intermediate learners seeking to master essential grammar for effective communication.
• 😀 *Green non-Murphy* (Advanced Grammar in Use) is for Advanced learners who want to explore deeper, more complex grammar topics.
• 😀 Both books are part of the *Grammar in Use* series by Cambridge University Press and share a similar structure: one grammar explanation per unit, followed by exercises.
• 😀 *Blue Murphy* is much larger, with 145 units, compared to *Green non-Murphy*, which has only 100 units.
• 😀 *Blue Murphy* covers foundational grammar topics, while *Green non-Murphy* dives into nuanced grammar and complex topics.
• 😀 *Blue Murphy* includes fewer units on reported speech and phrasal verbs compared to *Green non-Murphy*, which provides more detailed exploration of advanced topics like reported speech.
• 😀 *Green non-Murphy* offers more advanced exercises that challenge learners to analyze and rewrite sentences, making it better suited for academic or professional contexts.
• 😀 The exercises in *Blue Murphy* are generally simpler, focusing on more general topics like hobbies and work, while *Green non-Murphy* addresses academic subjects like politics, science, and education.
• 😀 *Green non-Murphy* includes more complex exercises that require learners to use their own ideas, like sentence rewrites and analyzing graphs, fostering more advanced writing skills.
• 😀 *Green non-Murphy* helps learners distinguish between formal and informal language and covers grammar variations some people consider incorrect, such as 'someone and myself' vs. 'someone and me.'

Q & A

What is the main difference between 'Blue Murphy' and 'Green non-Murphy'?

The main difference is their target audience and level of difficulty. 'Blue Murphy' is aimed at Intermediate learners and covers a broad range of basic grammar topics, while 'Green non-Murphy' is for Advanced learners and delves deeper into complex grammar areas.

How many units are in each book?

'Blue Murphy' has 145 units, while 'Green non-Murphy' contains 100 units.

What types of topics are covered in the exercises of 'Blue Murphy'?

The exercises in 'Blue Murphy' are focused on everyday topics like hobbies, work, and general communication, making them accessible for learners at the Intermediate level.

How does the exercise style differ between 'Blue Murphy' and 'Green non-Murphy'?

'Blue Murphy' features simpler exercises, often with practical topics and fewer complex tasks. 'Green non-Murphy', on the other hand, has more challenging exercises that require critical thinking, such as correcting sentences and analyzing complex grammar structures.

Which book provides more in-depth coverage of reported speech?

'Green non-Murphy' covers reported speech in much more detail, with 8 units dedicated to this topic, compared to just 2 units in 'Blue Murphy'.

Is 'Blue Murphy' sufficient for advanced learners?

'Blue Murphy' is enough for most learners who want to improve their grammar, even at an Upper-Intermediate or Advanced level. However, for those who want to reach a higher level of proficiency or focus on complex grammar, 'Green non-Murphy' would be more suitable.

What kind of exercises can be found in 'Green non-Murphy' that are not present in 'Blue Murphy'?

'Green non-Murphy' includes more advanced exercises, such as correcting mistakes in sentences, analyzing graphs, and understanding formal versus informal language. It also provides exercises where learners need to rewrite entire sentences and focus on advanced language nuances.

Why might a learner choose 'Green non-Murphy' over 'Blue Murphy'?

A learner might choose 'Green non-Murphy' if they want to master advanced grammar for academic or professional purposes, or if they have a strong interest in understanding the deeper complexities of English grammar.

How does 'Green non-Murphy' approach the difference between formal and informal language?

'Green non-Murphy' specifically focuses on variations in language, helping learners understand the difference between formal and informal language, and includes exercises on when to use specific grammar structures in different contexts.

What is the ideal learner for 'Blue Murphy'?

'Blue Murphy' is ideal for Intermediate learners, Upper-Intermediate learners, and even Advanced learners who need a solid foundation in English grammar or want to refresh their knowledge of basic grammar topics.