I was never an English major, and my college years are hazy at best. But, wanting to be an author forced my hand at learning grammar. So venturing out of the fiction section, I found several grammar books.

I thought I would share some of my favorites below:

• The Chicago Manual of Style

For the purely technical side of grammar, one of the books I recommend is The Chicago Manual. It is the bible of grammar, and it reads that way as well, slow and difficult. It has all the answers to my questions though, even if it takes me awhile to find them. They also offer on online edition which is relatively inexpensive and makes searching easier.

• Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark

This book breaks down the rules of grammar into easy, applicable tools to improve your writing. He has written several books that I enjoy, which says a lot given the subject manner.

• The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.

It’s a small book with a powerful punch. I’d recommend every aspiring writer to buy it and read it, more than once. It’s a simple book with basic truths about writing.

Grammar isn’t a one-time thing. Heck, I had to look up one-time versus onetime while writing this. I am constantly plucking away at my grammar books, reading a page here, searching for an answer there.  So if you find yourself stuck on where that comma goes for the twentieth time, venture out of the fiction section to find help.

What grammar books do you find useful?