The famed English writer Aldous Huxley once said, “Words play an enormous part in our lives and therefore deserve the closest study.” While few of us will match up to Huxley’s literary brilliance, it still stands that a well-honed vocabulary is a vital resource deserving of time and effort. Some even argue that words are ever more critical in the internet age, where language is constantly shrinking.

The ability to express ideas and communicate effectively will likely stay in fashion. So, whether you are preparing for an exam or want to expand your arsenal of words, a well-rounded lexicon can be enormously rewarding. Hence, to point you in the right direction, this article will discuss the seven best books for building an impressive vocabulary.

1. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 

“Tired of memorizing rows upon rows of complex words? This book offers an easier approach.”

Written by the highly acclaimed author Norman Lewis, Word Power Made Easy is a time-tested book that has helped countless people improve their vocabulary. The book was initially published in 1949 and has been revised many times to keep it current. If you are looking for a comprehensive book that breaks down vocabulary learning into steps that are easy to follow, you will go right with this one.

Word Power Made Easy doesn’t simply list all the words to memorize. Instead, it categorizes different words under different use-case scenarios, such as “how to talk about a variety of personal characteristics” or “how to talk about actions”. As a result, the book provides a smooth and easy-to-understand experience and is appropriate for children and adults alike.

Get it from here.

2. The Vocabulary Builder Workbook by Chris Lele

If you are preparing for an exam and need a collection of the must-know words, get this.

If you have ever searched for GRE/GMAT prep material, you might have encountered Magoosh. The test prep company is well-known for its exam guides and online courses. Similarly, in recent years, The Vocabulary Builder Workbook published by Magoosh has also become a popular choice.

Written by Chris lele, the test-prep expert, this book contains a treasure trove of the most important 1400 words every test-taker should know. In addition, it is designed in a way that makes vocabulary learning fun and easy. Unlike typical word books, this book doesn’t rely on rot and recitation and instead emphasizes practice as an effective way to learn and retain new words.

Get it here.

3. 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis

Need more time to spend hours studying? You only need 15 mins each day with this book.

In this book, Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis have assembled an efficient system that only requires 15-mins of your time daily. This book is ideal for those who want to expand their lexicon for everyday purposes without wanting to devote several hours to more comprehensive books. It contains all the essential words that make communication more compelling and persuasive. It also teaches you the most frequently misused words and their actual usage.

Get it here.

4. Merriam-Webster’s Vocabulary Builder

This one has 3500 of the most widely used words in standardized exams.

Merriam-Webster’s Vocabulary Builder is a tried and tested book that has helped millions of students since its initial publication. Like the Magoosh book mentioned above, this one is ideal for students looking to ace standardized exams.

However, don’t let that stop you from picking it up if you want to broaden your vocabulary for everyday use. The book takes you through the Latin and Greek roots of all the words, which makes learning and retention incredibly effective.

Get it here.

5. Word Smart by Adam Robinson

A compact book that offers a collection of some 800 must-know words

Although Word Smart is geared toward students taking the SAT, it is also a compelling choice for everyday use. This book is based on extensive research on adults to determine what words people should know. The result is a collection of 823 words that are essential, no matter if you are a student or not. It also lists words that are frequently misused and provides a variety of foreign phrases, abbreviations, and terms.

Get it here.

6. English for Everyone: English Vocabulary Builder

This book has 3000 essential words from different walks of life.

This book has an exciting approach to learning words by categorizing essential words from different subjects. It is an all-encompassing view of English vocabulary, from activities, family, holidays, science, and work to animals, feelings, health, sports, and weather. All meanings and definitions are explained in simple English, making it an ideal choice for beginners and professionals.

Get it here.

7. English Vocabulary Builder Workbook

A pool of the essential English words compiled in a single book.

The English Vocabulary Builder Workbook offers 200 lessons for quick and easy learning. While most books emphasize words, this one pays excellent attention to phrases, phrasal verbs, and idioms. If you want to improve your spoken or written English and add flair and expression to your work, this is the book for the job. It packs a neatly compiled repository of persuasive expressions to improve communication and articulation.

Get it here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are willing to take some time out of your day, any of these seven books will transform your communication skills. A strong vocabulary is a powerful tool to help you stand out as a student or an everyday person. So, pick one or more of these books and begin your journey toward an adequate vocabulary.