Many assume the red book covers everything, but “used to” (past habits) only appears in the ( English Grammar in Use , intermediate). Essential stops at simple past and past continuous. If you need “used to” at elementary level, Murphy left it out deliberately — it’s less frequent and often taught later.
Essential Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy is a leading self-study guide designed for elementary-level English learners, featuring a two-page layout with explanations and exercises. Available in versions with or without answers, the text covers fundamental grammar such as verb tenses, modals, and sentence structure. For more details, visit Cambridge University Press . Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
He would place a brick labeled "Yesterday" right next to a steel beam marked "Will build." The resulting wall groaned under the weight of contradiction. He tried to glue a "Could have" window into a frame meant for "Can." The glass shattered.
Essential English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy remains the gold standard for elementary-level English learners worldwide. Since its initial release, this "grammar bible" has helped millions of students master the foundations of the English language through its intuitive design and practical approach.
No — many exercises allow multiple grammatically correct answers. Example:
For all its praise, “Essential Grammar in Use” has one limit: it is not a full English course. It does not teach vocabulary, pronunciation, or speaking fluency. A learner who only completes this book will have perfect knowledge of grammar rules but will still struggle to order coffee in London.