For many adults, mastering English grammar exercises can feel like a daunting task—especially when it comes to writing in professional or real-world contexts.
The English Grammar Workbook for Adults: A Self-Study Guide to Improve Functional Writing steps in as a practical and accessible tool designed to make grammar learning manageable, purposeful, and even enjoyable.
Authored by Michael DiGiacomo, this workbook targets adult learners seeking to improve their writing skills for daily communication, the workplace, or personal development.
Table of Contents
Functional Writing
What sets this workbook apart from traditional grammar books is its focus on functional writing—real-world usage of English grammar that adults frequently encounter.
Rather than overwhelming the reader with overly technical terminology, the workbook presents grammar rules in a clear, concise, and context-driven manner.
This makes it particularly suitable for adult learners who may have forgotten what they learned in school or who are learning English as a second language.
The book is logically structured into sections that build upon each other, beginning with the foundational concepts of parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.
It gradually progresses to more complex topics such as verb tenses, punctuation, modifiers, and commonly confused words. Each chapter includes brief explanations followed by multiple practice exercises.
These exercises aren’t just textbook drills—they are grounded in everyday scenarios, such as writing emails, reports, and personal statements.
This emphasis on practical application ensures that users don’t just learn the rules, but also how to apply them confidently.
User-Friendly Layout.
One of the key strengths of the workbook is its user-friendly layout. The pages are cleanly formatted, with instructions and questions clearly separated for easy navigation.
DiGiacomo also includes answer keys at the back of the book, allowing learners to check their progress and correct mistakes on their own. This makes the workbook ideal for independent study, without the need for a teacher or tutor.
Another standout feature is the author’s tone and teaching style. DiGiacomo writes with a friendly, encouraging voice that helps reduce the anxiety many adults feel when revisiting grammar.
His explanations avoid unnecessary jargon and instead focus on clarity and usability. Additionally, he includes tips and reminders throughout the book that help reinforce important points and common pitfalls.
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Real-Life Writing Examples
For adults who may be using this workbook in preparation for work or academic advancement, the real-life writing examples are especially helpful.
Learners are prompted to edit business emails, improve cover letters, or revise short paragraphs—activities that mirror the type of writing they are likely to encounter. This relevance makes the material more engaging and increases retention.
However, it’s worth noting that the book is not a comprehensive grammar reference. While it covers the essential rules and offers plenty of practice, it may not delve deeply into advanced grammar topics.
For learners aiming to reach an academic or highly technical level of English, this workbook should be considered a starting point rather than a final destination.
Final Thoughts
The English Grammar Workbook for Adults: A Self-Study Guide to Improve Functional Writing is an excellent resource for adult learners who want to build confidence and competence in grammar through self-study.
With its approachable language, practical exercises, and clear explanations, it offers a solid foundation for improving writing skills in everyday and professional contexts.
Whether you’re returning to school, preparing for a job, or simply aiming to write more effectively, this book provides the tools and support to help you succeed.
