The Best Books To Improve Your Vocabulary

Reading is widely considered one of the best tools to enhance your vocabulary in another language. Isn’t it amazing that you can immerse yourself in incredible stories while learning new words?

Reading books in English is especially valuable because it not only introduces students to new words and phrases but also shows them in a natural and realistic context. This helps learners use these words appropriately in their sentences.

If you’re one of those students who want to read to expand your English vocabulary, keep reading! In this article, you’ll learn more about expanding your vocabulary through reading and find a list of the best books to help you on this journey.

The Importance of Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary is the most crucial part of learning a new language. It’s essential for everyone, from children to adults.

For example, thousands of students worldwide spend hours studying with textbooks to expand their vocabulary, completing countless grammar exercises. However, as you progress through levels (B1, B2, C1, C2), the vocabulary becomes more complex.

It’s important to keep practicing and enriching your vocabulary. Otherwise, you might struggle to read, understand movies, TV, or songs, or even communicate with a native speaker (perhaps a friend, family member, or boss).

A rich vocabulary allows you to communicate effectively and gives you the confidence to use words appropriately. In fact, having a broad vocabulary is even more important than mastering all the grammar rules perfectly.

Here are the four main reasons why vocabulary is vital for all students:

Language Development

Children with better vocabularies tend to think more deeply and communicate more effectively. The earlier they develop these skills, the sooner they succeed in communication and academics.

Reading Comprehension

Research shows that children need to understand about 98% of the words they read to grasp the meaning of a text. A wider vocabulary helps them better understand their books.

Effective Communication

A solid vocabulary is essential for clear communication. You can express yourself better when you know how to choose the right words for the situation.

Improved Writing Skills

Writing skills also improve with a strong vocabulary. Everyone should know how to write correctly in both formal and informal tones.

Now that you know why having a rich vocabulary is important, let’s look at how reading can help build it and explore the best books for improving your English vocabulary.

How Reading Books in English Improves Vocabulary

As mentioned earlier, reading is one of the most recommended and effective ways to expand your vocabulary in a foreign language. Whether you’re reading romantic novels or fantasy stories, you can immerse yourself in different writing styles, new words, and diverse sentence structures.

Your English vocabulary grows indirectly by reading character dialogues and immersing yourself in vivid descriptions of places and events in novels.

If you’ve studied other languages before, you know that keeping a glossary can significantly help expand your word bank. So, we recommend starting with one of the books in the lists below, grabbing a pen and notebook, and writing down every unfamiliar word. 

Use a dictionary to find and note the meaning of these words. We recommend the Cambridge Dictionary, as it’s available online, easy to use, and free.

If keeping a notebook feels unnecessary, you could use a pencil to write the translation above the words directly in the book. This way, you can enjoy a great story while learning new terms simultaneously.

Now, let’s get to the promised list! Below, you’ll find recommendations from professional tutors for the best English books written by language experts to enrich your vocabulary.

Best Books in English for Beginners

These books are perfect for beginners just starting to learn English. They are easy and enjoyable to read, packed with a wide variety of interesting words and phrases, and incredibly entertaining!

"The Cat in the Hat" - Dr. Seuss 

Although it’s a children’s book, all of Dr. Seuss’s works are ideal for English beginners. They use simple language and fun rhymes that help practice pronunciation and intonation.

The “Harry Potter” Series - J.K. Rowling

The famous Harry Potter books are not only entertaining but also quite helpful for vocabulary building. They use clear and concise language without overly complex structures, allowing you to improve your English while enjoying the magical plot.

The Complete “Sherlock Holmes” - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

These detective stories are among the most renowned in mystery fiction. They are engaging for teens and adults alike, and they provide plenty of opportunities to learn new words in context.

“Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” - Lewis Carroll

“We are all mad here” for this book. While you may be familiar with the Disney version, this book will surprise beginner readers with its simplicity and the wide vocabulary it introduces, all within getting lost in this fantastical world.

“The Wizard of Oz”- L. Frank Baum

Here's another book that was adapted wonderfully to the big screen, but we assure you that the land of Oz is even more captivating than what you can see in just 100 minutes. This fascinating book has a linear and easy-to-follow story that will allow you to learn very fun vocabulary.

Best English Books to Read

Here is a list of more exceptional books that not only offer great stories, but are also perfect for expanding your vocabulary in English:

"The Count of Monte Cristo" - Alexandre Dumas

"The Count of Monte Cristo" is a story of long imprisonment, a thrilling escape, and revenge. With terms like "impassioned," "prodigious," "cosmopolite," and "apoplexy", it’s a fantastic book to enhance your vocabulary. Despite its rich language, the book is surprisingly easy to read, making it a great starting point for anyone looking to improve their English vocabulary.

"The Old Man and the Sea" - Ernest Hemingway

This classic tale tells the journey of an old fisherman and the challenges he faces. Written in short and simple sentences, it’s another excellent choice to help you build your vocabulary while enjoying an inspiring story.

"A Game of Thrones" - George R. R. Martin

The first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, "A Game of Thrones", is more than just the inspiration for the hit TV show. It’s a remarkable modern fantasy novel that combines the best elements of the genre. While slightly more complex than other books on this list, it’s incredibly useful to see how the author uses adjectives and adverbs to describe a wide range of terms. It’s one of the best books for adults looking to improve their vocabulary.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" -  Oscar Wilde

This timeless novel tells the story of a handsome but narcissistic and self-centered young man who trades his soul for eternal youth. Oscar Wilde, a master of language, fills his work with sophisticated expressions, metaphors, and uncommon words, enriching the text. Reading this book will introduce you to elegant vocabulary that will help you express yourself in a more sophisticated way.

"Ulysses" - James Joyce

Joyce constantly experimented with language, creating new words, using puns, and incorporating literary references. This forces readers to think creatively about language and explore its possibilities. Although Ulysses requires more focus and dedication than other books, if you’re willing to invest the time and effort, you’ll discover a treasure trove of words and expressions that will greatly enhance your language skills.

"Gulliver’s Travels" - Jonathan Swift

Swift employs rich and varied language to describe the different worlds Gulliver visits in this classic novel. You’ll encounter nautical terms and words related to politics, philosophy, and satire. Explore the mystical world of the Lilliputians and enjoy the story while expanding your vocabulary.

"Love in the Time of Cholera" -  Gabriel García Márquez

"Love in the Time of Cholera" is a contemporary love story that, although originally written in Spanish, retains all its charm in its English translation. The novel explores a wide range of emotions and situations, allowing you to learn an extensive and varied vocabulary. 

"To Kill a Mockingbird" - Harper Lee

This classic novel is not only a touching and socially relevant story but also a great tool for learning English vocabulary. Words are presented naturally within the story, making them easier to understand and remember. By reading about the characters’ experiences, you’ll associate new words with real-life situations and emotions.

"Moby Dick" - Herman Melville

Another great literary classic, "Moby Dick" is a challenging novel that exposes readers to advanced and sophisticated language. As you progress through the book, you’ll learn a vast number of nautical and maritime terms, as well as detailed descriptions of nature, marine animals, and the elements. This will help elevate your writing and speaking skills to the next level.

"Shakespearean Plays" - William Shakespeare

Shakespeare was a true master of language. In fact, he invented many words we still use today, such as "critical," "eventful," and "eyeball." He also popularized phrases like "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Reading his works introduces you to countless expressions, metaphors, and words that will significantly enrich your vocabulary. We suggest starting with "Hamlet".

The Best Books to Expand Your Vocabulary

Reading novels of various types and genres that interest you is one of the best ways to develop your vocabulary. However, another great option is to explore books specifically designed to teach English vocabulary.

Here’s a look at the top 5 books to help you learn English vocabulary:

"Oxford Picture Dictionary"

This is a great choice to start with. The "Oxford Picture Dictionary" uses charming illustrations to teach English words. These words are presented in real-life contexts, helping you better understand their meanings and acquire vocabulary that will be highly useful in various everyday situations.

"NTC Vocabulary Builders"

This book is perfect for intermediate and advanced English learners who need help with professional English vocabulary. If you’re studying business English or need to speak English fluently at work, this is the ideal book for you.

"504 Absolutely Essential Words"

This vocabulary book is excellent for beginners who want to build a strong foundation before moving on to more complex topics. It’s also useful for those who need to learn keywords for everyday situations. 504 Absolutely Essential Words includes around 500 essential and commonly used words that will undoubtedly come in handy when speaking English.

"Oxford Learner's Pocket Word Skills"

This is a small but incredibly useful book for students who want to expand their English vocabulary. It covers common topics like the environment, communication technologies, and society in general. It’s also the best vocabulary book for those preparing for exams like IELTS or FCE, as it contains over 3,500 words and phrases.

"Word Power Made Easy"

Written by the renowned grammarian Norman Lewis, this vocabulary-building book offers a step-by-step process to improve your understanding and mastery of English in a very clear and simple way.

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Conclusion

Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to improve your language skills is by reading books.

Reading not only helps expand your vocabulary but becomes even more beneficial when you take notes while reading and practice the new words you learn. We hope our selection of English books is helpful to you. Try to read a little each day and keep a dictionary handy to clear up any doubts!