English with Jo

Publisher’s Description: Millions of learners around the world owe their success in English to the best-selling grammar book, English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy. With English Grammar in Use Tests you can work on your grammar skills wherever you are and whenever you want. So what are you waiting for? Practice makes perfect!

English Grammar in Use is specifically designed for intermediate level learners of English as a Second Language. There are two applications available for download: English Grammar in Use Activities and English Grammar in Use Tests. Both are compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch.

English Grammar in Use Tests

• Over 1,700 multiple choice questions at intermediate level, divided into 16 grammar sections
• A choice of two modes ‘test’ and ‘practice’ allows you to focus on specific aspects of grammar
• Scores and statistics are also available so you can see how you’re doing

Priced at £2.99, the application is not too expensive for what it offers and is especially useful for students preparing to sit English exams such as the IELTS, FCE or CPE.

English Grammar in Use Activities

• Over 2,800 multiple choice questions and a variety of activities, divided into 16 grammar sections
• Audio recordings of all exercises, plus record your own voice and play back function
• Progress check gives scores for each practice session

This application is priced at £5.99, which seems vastly over-priced, though it does provide a high quality content and a large database of activities.

Overall:  It is difficult for these apps to match the succes that The English Grammar in Use books have received as a result of their depth and quality of content, and the fact that they are reliable, accessible and easy to use. 

Content and functionality is great but navigation is complicated and the apps fall down on the ‘easy to use’ factor.  Overall, they are worth getting if you are happy to pay the price.