Namaste, dear learners! I’m Sunil Chaudhary, your English coach and mentor from Guruji English Classes. I welcome you to this new and exciting lesson. Today, we are not just going to talk about “learning English” – we are going to talk about how to sound intelligent, polished, and polite when you speak or write in English. Top 5 Books to Sound Smart and Polite in English – Speak Like a Pro!
Let me begin with a story…
Top 5 Books to Sound Smart and Polite in English – Speak Like a Pro!
📖 A Simple Story: The Power of Polished English
A few years ago, one of my students, Riya, was preparing for a job interview in a multinational company. She was confident in grammar, she knew vocabulary, and she had practiced a lot. But after the interview, she called me and said, “Guruji, I answered all the questions… but I don’t think I left a strong impression.”
Why?
Because while her answers were correct, they were very basic and a little blunt. She said things like:
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“I did this job before.”
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“Your company is good.”
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“I am right, they are wrong.”
Now these sentences are not wrong — but they don’t sound polished. They sound casual, a little rough, and not very impressive.
Now imagine if she had said:
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“I’ve had the privilege of handling a similar role in my previous company.”
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“Your organization has an impressive track record in innovation.”
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“I understand their point, though I believe there’s another approach worth considering.”
Same meaning — but so much more elegant! This is the difference between basic English and sophisticated, diplomatic English.
🌍 Where Do You Need This Type of English?
Many learners think, “Sir, I don’t want to go abroad… Why should I learn such advanced English?” That’s a fair question. But here’s the truth:
You need this kind of English if you want to:
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Work in an MNC or professional company
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Pass high-level exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
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Become a public speaker, trainer, teacher, or content creator
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Impress clients or customers through email or meetings
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Write articles, blogs, or posts that sound intelligent
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Or even just stand out from the crowd
You see, using sophisticated English doesn’t mean using difficult words or fake accents. It means using the right tone, respectful words, and smart structure.
🧠 What is Diplomatic English?
Let’s break this down simply.
Diplomatic English means the kind of English that is:
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Polite (not rude or harsh)
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Professional (suitable for office, business, or formal settings)
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Tactful (you say the truth, but in a soft and respectful way)
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Elegant (your words flow smoothly, like a good speech)
Here’s a simple example:
Basic English | Diplomatic English |
---|---|
“That’s a bad idea.” | “I’m not sure that approach would work best in this case.” |
“I don’t like it.” | “I personally would prefer a different option, if I may suggest.” |
“You are wrong.” | “I see your point, though I think there may be another perspective to consider.” |
See the difference? The second column sounds calm, polite, and confident. This is the English that wins people’s respect. And you can learn it.
📚 So, How Can You Learn This Style?
Now comes the most important question — how can you learn to speak and write this way?
The answer is simple: Read the right books and practice regularly.
There are hundreds of books out there that teach grammar, vocabulary, and communication. But only a few books actually teach you how to use elegant, powerful, and professional English in real-life situations.
And that’s why I’ve created this blog post for you — to share my Top 5 Favourite Books that will help you:
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Improve your vocabulary without sounding fake
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Learn how to write emails, reports, essays in a smart tone
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Speak in a way that impresses your boss, teachers, or interviewers
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Express your disagreement without sounding rude
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And become confident in both speaking and writing
These books are student-friendly, used by IELTS toppers, and even helpful for working professionals and aspiring public speakers.
🧭 Ready to Begin Your Transformation?
By the end of this blog post, you will have a complete toolkit — 5 amazing books that will change the way you use English forever. So I want you to do one thing right now:
🟢 Take a notebook and pen.
🟢 Note down useful phrases and book names as you go.
🟢 And make a promise to yourself: “I will not speak basic English anymore.”
This is the start of your transformation.
You will not only speak correctly, but also speak smartly.
Let’s get started with Book #1 — coming up in the next section!
👉 And hey, don’t forget — if you enjoy this style of learning, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel: Guruji English Classes. I teach English with fun, clarity, and real-life examples there too.
Are you ready for the first book? Let’s move forward! 📘✨
What is Diplomatic and Sophisticated English?
In the last section, we talked about why smart and polite English is important in today’s world. Now let’s go one step deeper.
In this section, I will explain what exactly is “Diplomatic and Sophisticated English” — and more importantly, how you can start using it in your daily life.
🤔 What Do These Big Words Mean?
Let’s break the terms down simply:
🔹 Diplomatic English means:
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Speaking in a way that is respectful, calm, and non-offensive
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You express your ideas — even disagreements — in a soft, smart manner
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You choose words carefully so that the listener feels respected
🔹 Sophisticated English means:
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Using words and phrases that sound refined and educated
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Avoiding casual or rude expressions
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Speaking with better structure, tone, and vocabulary
Now let’s simplify that even more…
💡 Diplomatic = Polite + Careful with words
💡 Sophisticated = Classy + Smart English
This kind of English is not just for foreign countries or fancy jobs — it’s for everyone who wants to be respected, understood, and successful.
🚦 Why Do You Need It?
Here are just a few real-life situations where diplomatic English helps:
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In job interviews: Instead of saying “I want more money,” you say “I believe this role deserves a competitive package considering the responsibilities involved.”
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In customer service: Instead of saying “You’re wrong,” say “I understand your concern. Let’s find a solution together.”
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In emails: Instead of “Do it fast,” say “I would appreciate it if this could be prioritized.”
Do you see the magic here?
Same meaning, but more professional, more human, and more powerful.
🛑 Basic English vs. Sophisticated English: Examples
Let me give you some real comparisons. These will help you understand better.
Basic English | Diplomatic/Sophisticated English |
---|---|
“I don’t agree.” | “I see where you’re coming from, but I have a slightly different perspective.” |
“Do it now.” | “Could you kindly handle this at your earliest convenience?” |
“You made a mistake.” | “There seems to be a small error we might want to review.” |
“That’s wrong.” | “I believe there may be another approach we could explore.” |
“I can’t do it.” | “Unfortunately, I’m unable to assist with that at the moment.” |
You see, it’s all about tone and choice of words.
You are still honest. You are still clear.
But you sound more confident, respectful, and wise.
🎓 Who Uses This Kind of English?
Let me tell you something interesting…
All successful people — from diplomats to CEOs, from TED speakers to top interviewers — use this kind of English.
Why?
Because people don’t just listen to what you say.
They pay attention to how you say it.
And when you speak in a way that is calm, clear, and respectful, people:
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Trust you more
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Feel comfortable with you
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Want to listen to you
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Think you are smart and well-educated
Even in IELTS speaking, using polite and formal expressions can increase your fluency and coherence score.
🏗️ How Can You Start Using It?
Here’s a simple 3-step formula I give to my students:
1. Slow down your reaction
Instead of replying immediately in anger or pressure, pause. Think: “How can I say this respectfully?”
2. Use softeners
These are small words or phrases that make your sentence sound polite:
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“I feel that…”
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“Would it be possible…”
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“May I suggest…”
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“I’d appreciate it if…”
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“With due respect…”
3. Practice 2–3 lines every day
Take one casual sentence and convert it into a sophisticated one. Example:
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“You are late again.” → “I noticed some delay. Is everything alright on your end?”
Do this every day — and within 30 days, your tone will change!
💬 Bonus Tip from Sunil Sir:
Start listening to leaders like Barack Obama, Ratan Tata, or Sundar Pichai.
Watch how they speak — how they handle questions, how they disagree without disrespecting.
These are real-life examples of diplomatic and sophisticated communication. Copy their tone, and soon, you’ll sound like them too!
🗣️ Final Words for This Section
Let’s be clear — speaking politely doesn’t mean being weak.
Speaking diplomatically doesn’t mean hiding the truth.
It simply means:
👉 You speak with grace.
👉 You speak with maturity.
👉 You speak in a way that wins hearts and minds.
In the next section, I will introduce you to the first book that changed my life — and has helped thousands of learners, students, and professionals become excellent communicators.
Get ready to upgrade your English one level higher! 🚀📘
And yes, before we move on…
📢 Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Guruji English Classes for fun lessons, real examples, and daily practice.
Book 1 – The Well-Spoken Thesaurus – Speak with Style and Confidence
Namaste, my dear learners!
Welcome to the most exciting part of this blog — the books that will upgrade your English from “normal” to “classy and impressive.”
Let me start with one of my all-time favorite books — The Well-Spoken Thesaurus by Tom Heehler.
This book is not your typical grammar book. It’s a treasure chest of words and expressions that can make you sound like a leader, a public speaker, or even a diplomat.
Let me explain why I recommend this book to every student who wants to speak in a smart, polite, and powerful way.
📖 What is The Well-Spoken Thesaurus?
Most of you have heard of a “thesaurus,” right? A thesaurus is a book that gives you synonyms — other words with the same meaning.
But this book is very special. It doesn’t just give you synonyms.
It gives you “well-spoken” alternatives — better, more elegant, more polished ways of saying the same thing.
For example:
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Instead of saying “I think”, it shows you how to say:
👉 “It seems to me…”
👉 “From my perspective…”
👉 “As I see it…” -
Instead of “I want to say something”, you can say:
👉 “If I may offer a thought…”
👉 “Permit me to add something here…”
You see?
These are not just fancier words — they are respectful, diplomatic, and powerful phrases used by confident speakers.
💡 Why Should You Read This Book?
I’ll give you 5 reasons why this book is a game-changer for anyone learning English:
1. It teaches you to speak like a leader
You’ll learn how great speakers choose their words. You’ll pick up phrases that are used in speeches, interviews, presentations, and meetings.
2. It improves your speaking AND writing
You can use these phrases in emails, reports, essays, or even WhatsApp messages when you want to sound professional.
3. It replaces “boring” English with “beautiful” English
Let’s be honest — saying “good,” “bad,” or “nice” all the time is boring. This book helps you say:
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“commendable” instead of “good”
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“unfortunate” instead of “bad”
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“gracious” instead of “nice”
4. It helps you speak with emotion and respect
When you say, “I respectfully disagree,” instead of “You’re wrong,” people listen. You keep the conversation calm and respectful.
5. It’s perfect for intermediate to advanced learners
If you already know basic grammar, this book will take you to the next level — to IELTS 7+, corporate English, and public speaking level.
🗣️ Guruji’s Favourite Phrases from the Book
Here are some powerful phrases I personally use and teach:
Basic English | From the Book |
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“I think…” | “It appears to me that…” |
“I believe…” | “It is my considered opinion that…” |
“I don’t know…” | “I’m not certain at the moment, but I will find out.” |
“This is good.” | “This is quite impressive.” |
“That’s wrong.” | “That may not be entirely accurate.” |
These are the kinds of phrases that will set you apart in a job interview, a business email, or even a classroom discussion.
📘 How to Use This Book the Right Way
Here’s how I suggest you use The Well-Spoken Thesaurus:
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Choose 1–2 phrases per day
Don’t try to learn 50 phrases at once. Start small. Write them down. Practice speaking them out loud. -
Make a “Polite Phrase Notebook”
Dedicate one notebook where you write formal or polite ways of speaking. Review it weekly. -
Replace simple words in your daily speaking
Instead of “I think,” say “It seems to me.”
Instead of “Do it,” say “Could you kindly look into it?” -
Use the phrases in writing too
Emails, messages, essays — start practicing everywhere. You’ll soon become fluent in this style. -
Watch YouTube videos with subtitles
See how native speakers use these phrases. Listen carefully, pause, and repeat.
🏆 What Makes This Book Special for Indian Learners?
As an Indian teacher and coach, I can tell you this:
Indian learners often speak “correct” English, but not always “polished” English. This book helps you:
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Sound global without sounding fake
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Speak smartly without sounding arrogant
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Write better without using complicated grammar
It’s especially helpful for:
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IELTS students
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Job seekers
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Teachers
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Public speakers
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Working professionals
🙌 Final Words for This Section
My dear learners, if you truly want to upgrade your English personality, this book is your first step. It’s not about memorizing big words — it’s about choosing the right words for the right moment.
That’s the magic of The Well-Spoken Thesaurus.
And if you enjoy learning these kinds of expressions, don’t forget to check out our spoken English lessons on Guruji English Classes YouTube Channel. I often use phrases from this book in my live classes.
Get the book, start slow, and speak like a pro!
Book 2 – The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker – Write and Speak with Clarity and Class
Welcome back, dear learners!
This is your English Coach, Sunil Chaudhary, and in this section, I’m going to introduce a book that I personally admire not just as a teacher, but as a lifelong learner of English.
The book is called The Sense of Style, written by Steven Pinker, a Harvard professor and a world-famous linguist.
This book is like a GPS for your English writing and speaking. It shows you how to express yourself in a way that is clear, smart, modern, and professional.
If you’re serious about speaking and writing English that is both correct and classy, this book is for you.
📖 What is The Sense of Style All About?
Unlike old grammar books that are boring and full of rules, The Sense of Style is fun, modern, and practical.
Steven Pinker does not tell you to “follow grammar blindly.”
Instead, he shows you how to:
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Make your writing clear and logical
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Avoid old, robotic writing styles
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Sound like a confident, educated speaker of today
This book is especially helpful if you:
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Are a college student writing reports or essays
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Are preparing for IELTS Academic or General Training
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Work in a company and need to write emails or documents
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Want to become a trainer, teacher, or online content creator
🧠 Why Is This Book So Powerful?
Here are the top 5 reasons I always recommend this book to advanced and intermediate learners:
1. It clears your writing like a window
If your sentences feel “foggy” or confusing, this book helps you write in a way that is simple, sharp, and beautiful.
2. It teaches you the science of good communication
Steven Pinker is not just a writer — he’s a brain scientist! He explains how people understand language, and how you can write in a way that matches how the human brain works.
3. It breaks the fear of grammar
Pinker explains grammar in a logical and stress-free way. He says, “Don’t fear grammar — understand it.”
4. It helps you avoid old, dead writing
Many people still write like it’s the year 1950: too formal, too complex. This book helps you sound professional without sounding boring.
5. It’s full of examples and humor
You’ll smile, laugh, and learn — all at the same time. It’s a book that teaches with stories, jokes, and real-life examples.
🧾 Examples From the Book: Before and After
Let me give you some simple transformations from the book’s techniques:
Before (Basic/Confusing) | After (Clear and Smart) |
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“Due to the fact that…” | “Because…” |
“It is important to note that…” | “Note that…” |
“The reason why is because…” | “The reason is…” |
“He is a person who…” | “He…” |
“There are many people who think…” | “Many people think…” |
These are not just small edits. These are style improvements that make your English powerful, diplomatic, and fluent.
📋 Guruji’s Method to Use This Book
Now let me tell you how I guide my students to use The Sense of Style in daily learning:
Step 1: Read only 2–3 pages a day
This is not a book to finish in one sitting. Enjoy it slowly. Take notes.
Step 2: Highlight phrases and tips
Keep a pen in hand. Mark phrases that sound professional or polite.
Step 3: Create a “Smart Sentence Bank”
Write those good sentences in a notebook. Try to use them in your own writing or speaking.
Step 4: Rewrite your old writing
Take an old email, essay, or message. Rewrite it using the tips from this book. You’ll be surprised how much better it sounds!
Step 5: Watch my YouTube breakdowns
I’ve explained some of these techniques in our lessons on Guruji English Classes YouTube Channel. Watch and practice along with me.
📌 Who Should Definitely Read This Book?
This book is a gem for:
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IELTS aspirants (Writing Task 2 especially)
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College students and researchers
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Teachers and educators
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Corporate professionals writing reports or proposals
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Bloggers, content creators, and writers
If you often feel like your English is correct but not impressive, this book will help you cross that bridge.
✨ A Personal Message from Sunil Sir
My dear learners,
I’ve been teaching English for over a decade. One thing I’ve learned is this:
👉 Good grammar is not enough.
👉 You must learn how to express your thoughts in a clear, kind, and confident way.
This is what The Sense of Style teaches.
Don’t just copy fancy words from the internet.
Learn why some expressions work better than others.
That’s how you develop a true sense of style.
🎯 Final Takeaway
If you want to:
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Sound more professional
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Write more clearly
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Speak with more class
Then The Sense of Style should be in your bag or on your desk.
And if you want more real-life usage and breakdowns of these lessons — don’t forget to join me on Guruji English Classes YouTube Channel. I bring these tips to life with examples, jokes, and stories.
Let’s now move to the next amazing book that adds beauty to your speech — The Elements of Eloquence!
Book 3 – The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth – Make Your Sentences Beautiful
The name of the book is The Elements of Eloquence, written by Mark Forsyth, a language lover and a brilliant writer.
If you’ve ever asked yourself…
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“How do great speakers create powerful lines?”
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“Why do some sentences sound more poetic or memorable?”
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“How can I make my speech or writing more beautiful?”
…then this is the book you must read. It’s not a grammar book. It’s not a vocabulary builder. It’s a book that teaches you the secret techniques of the world’s greatest speakers and writers — and how YOU can use them too!
🌟 What is The Elements of Eloquence?
In simple words, this book teaches you how to craft elegant English phrases using rhetorical techniques.
What are rhetorical techniques?
These are special patterns or tricks of language used in speeches, literature, and storytelling — from Shakespeare to Obama.
They help your words:
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Stand out
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Stick in the mind
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Sound poetic and powerful
For example:
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“I came, I saw, I conquered.” (Julius Caesar)
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“Ask not what your country can do for you…” (John F. Kennedy)
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“To be, or not to be…” (Shakespeare)
Why are these lines unforgettable?
Because they use rhetorical devices — and that’s exactly what The Elements of Eloquence teaches you!
📚 What Will You Learn from This Book?
Mark Forsyth introduces 39 different techniques, with funny names like:
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Alliteration
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Antithesis
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Epistrophe
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Chiasmus
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Hyperbaton
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And many more…
Don’t worry — these names may sound difficult, but the author explains them in a very fun and simple way.
Let me break down 4 powerful techniques from the book for you:
🔄 1. Alliteration – Repeating First Sounds
👉 “She sells sea shells by the sea shore.”
This is a simple technique where you repeat the first letter or sound of each word.
You can use it in speech to add rhythm and drama:
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“Fast, focused, fearless leadership.”
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“Big brands, bold strategies.”
Try to use alliteration in your Instagram posts or speeches — it grabs attention!
⚖️ 2. Antithesis – Contrast in a Sentence
👉 “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
You show two opposite ideas in one line.
Try these:
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“Work hard in silence, let success make the noise.”
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“Speech is silver, but silence is golden.”
This adds depth and elegance to your message.
🔁 3. Chiasmus – Reversing the Order
👉 “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
Here, the second part mirrors the first part in reverse. It sounds powerful and wise.
Try:
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“You learn to teach, and you teach to learn.”
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“Don’t live to eat — eat to live.”
This is perfect for motivational quotes!
🗣️ 4. Epistrophe – Repeating the End
👉 “Government of the people, by the people, for the people…”
Here, the ending words are repeated. It creates a poetic rhythm.
Examples:
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“We will fight in the air, we will fight on the land, we will fight on the sea…”
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“I want justice, we need justice, we demand justice!”
Use this in debates or speeches to make your message stick.
💼 Who Should Read This Book?
This book is not for absolute beginners. It’s for learners who:
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Already know basic grammar
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Want to speak like a TEDx speaker or motivational coach
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Write speeches, blogs, or social media content
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Prepare for IELTS Speaking or Essay Writing
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Want to wow people with their words
🧠 Guruji’s Tip: How to Use This Book
Here’s how I guide my advanced students to use The Elements of Eloquence:
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Pick 1 technique per week
Read the chapter. Understand it. Make notes. -
Find 3 examples from famous speeches or quotes
Search online or listen to leaders. See how they use the technique. -
Write your own 3–4 lines using that style
Practice writing poetic or dramatic lines. Use them in your content. -
Use it in real speaking
Try to include one stylish sentence in your next speech, presentation, or class discussion.
🎯 What You’ll Achieve
By using these techniques, you will:
✅ Make your speeches sound motivational and powerful
✅ Write blogs or captions that people remember
✅ Stand out in IELTS or corporate meetings
✅ Build confidence in your spoken style
You will no longer say things in a boring or plain way.
You’ll say them like a speaker, a leader, a storyteller.
✨ Final Thoughts from Sunil Sir
My dear students,
Learning English is not just about grammar. It’s also about beauty, emotion, and expression.
The Elements of Eloquence is not just a book — it’s a style guide that helps you fall in love with English.
It shows you the art of language.
It gives you the tools to inspire people with your words.
It helps you become the speaker people admire and remember.
So read it slowly, enjoy the fun, and practice like an artist.
And remember — I often explain these techniques on our Guruji English Classes YouTube Channel. Come and learn with me there!
Let’s move on to the next book that combines style + grammar in one powerful package — Sin and Syntax.
Ready for it? Let’s go! 🎓📘
Book 4 – Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale – Style + Grammar = English That Shines
The name of this brilliant book is Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale.
Now you might be thinking, “Guruji, why ‘sin’? Are we doing something wrong with English?”
And the answer is – yes, sometimes we do! 😄
But don’t worry. This book doesn’t scold you like a strict English teacher.
Instead, it shows you how to break boring grammar rules in smart ways to make your English more natural, expressive, and elegant.
Let’s dive into how this book works and why you should read it if you want to take your English to the next level.
📖 What is Sin and Syntax All About?
Most grammar books only teach you rules — what to do and what not to do.
But Sin and Syntax teaches you when to follow the rules, when to bend them, and how to sound like a confident, creative speaker or writer.
This book is built around three powerful ideas:
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The Bones – The grammar rules (basic structure)
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The Flesh – The style (how to sound elegant and smooth)
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The Sins – Common mistakes or bad habits that we should avoid
That’s why it’s called Sin and Syntax — a balance of discipline and freedom in English.
🎯 What Makes This Book Special?
Let me give you 5 strong reasons why this book is a must-read:
1. It teaches grammar in a fun and fresh way
No boring definitions. No scary rules. Just clear explanations and funny examples that make grammar feel easy.
2. It adds style to your sentences
You don’t just learn what to say, but how to say it in a way that sounds educated, friendly, and fluent.
3. It warns you about “language sins”
This includes overused words, bad sentence habits, and grammar traps. You’ll learn how to avoid weak and awkward expressions.
4. It gives real-life examples from literature, media, and speeches
You’ll see how good English is used in movies, songs, novels, and news articles.
5. It helps you develop your own voice
Instead of copying someone else’s style, this book helps you find your natural, confident, and unique English voice.
📋 Examples of “Sin and Syntax” in Action
Let me give you a few transformations to show how this book improves your English:
Basic English | After Sin and Syntax |
---|---|
“It was very nice.” | “It was absolutely delightful.” |
“I went there.” | “I wandered through the old town.” |
“I like it.” | “I adore it. It speaks to my soul.” |
“He is a good man.” | “He is a man of quiet strength and deep kindness.” |
As you can see, the idea is the same — but the language becomes richer, deeper, and more stylish.
This is the kind of English that wins hearts in:
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Essays
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Emails
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Public speeches
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Job interviews
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Even social media posts!
🧠 Guruji’s Method to Learn from This Book
Here’s how I suggest my students use Sin and Syntax:
Step 1: Read 1 chapter per week
Each chapter is like a small workshop. Take your time and enjoy the examples.
Step 2: Keep a notebook of “Grammar + Style” tips
Make two columns — one for rules, one for style tricks. Review this notebook every weekend.
Step 3: Practice rewriting sentences
Take a simple line from your own writing, and rewrite it using the book’s techniques.
Example:
✏️ “She walked in.” → “She strolled into the room like a breeze.”
Step 4: Use the “Sins” section to fix bad habits
If you often write weak or repetitive sentences, this section will help you fix that — fast!
Step 5: Speak aloud
Yes! Read good sentences out loud. Your tongue learns faster when your ears are involved. This builds fluency with style.
🧑🏫 Who Is This Book Perfect For?
Sin and Syntax is ideal for learners who:
-
Already understand basic grammar
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Want to write or speak more expressively
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Are preparing for IELTS Writing/Speaking
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Are bloggers, influencers, or public speakers
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Are English teachers or trainers who want to teach creatively
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Want to move from “correct” to “confident” English
✨ Final Thoughts from Sunil Sir
My dear students,
There are many people who speak correct English, but only a few speak beautiful English. That beauty comes from the perfect mix of grammar and style — and that’s exactly what Sin and Syntax teaches you.
In my own journey, this book helped me:
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Speak more naturally during seminars
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Write more powerfully in blogs and emails
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Train my students to not just pass exams, but stand out in life
I highly recommend you read this book slowly, with a pen, and with a student’s heart. Trust me, it will change the way you see English.
And remember, if you want help understanding these ideas with live examples, Hindi explanations, and practice tips, join me on my YouTube channel – Guruji English Classes.
Now, let’s move to our final book in this powerful journey — the one that gives you deep grammar wisdom for expert-level communication.
Ready for the grand finale? Let’s go! 📘💪
Book 5 – Advanced English Grammar: A Linguistic Approach – Master the Structure, Speak Like a Pro
The book I want to share with you now is called:
Advanced English Grammar: A Linguistic Approach by Hendrik De Smet.
This book is different. It’s not just about rules — it’s about understanding how English actually works from the inside.
Let’s explore how this book can help you become not just a good English speaker, but a true master of advanced English.
📖 What is Advanced English Grammar: A Linguistic Approach?
Most grammar books stop at tenses, articles, and parts of speech. But this book goes beyond.
This book explains:
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Why English works the way it does
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How sentence structure affects tone and meaning
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How to use complex grammar to express subtle ideas
It’s called a “linguistic approach” because it’s written by a real linguist — someone who studies language at a deep academic level.
But don’t worry!
You don’t need to be a professor to use this book. If you are an upper-intermediate or advanced learner (IELTS 6.5 and above), you’ll love it!
🧠 Why Should You Learn Advanced Grammar?
Let me ask you a question:
Can you write or say things like these?
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“Were I to be given the chance, I would…”
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“Hardly had I arrived when he left.”
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“Not only is she intelligent, but she’s also wise.”
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“Had I known, I would have acted differently.”
If you’re not sure how or when to use these — this book is your guide.
This kind of grammar is called formal, complex, or academic grammar — and it’s used in:
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IELTS Band 8+ writing and speaking
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Business reports and high-level presentations
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Diplomatic language in government and international communication
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Academic writing in universities
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Public speaking and literature
This grammar helps you show intelligence, control, and elegance in every sentence.
📝 What Topics Will You Learn?
Here are just a few of the amazing topics explained in this book:
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The Subjunctive Mood – Used for polite requests, hopes, and hypothetical ideas.
E.g. “I suggest he be present,” not “he is present.” -
Inversion Structures – Used for emphasis and formal speech.
E.g. “Rarely do we see such kindness.” -
Ellipsis and Substitution – Shorten your speech like a native.
E.g. “I will attend, and so will she.” -
Nominalisation – Turn verbs into nouns for academic style.
E.g. “We concluded” → “The conclusion was…” -
Advanced Conditionals – Go beyond “if I were…”
E.g. “Should you need help, do let me know.” -
Passive with Modals –
E.g. “This should have been done yesterday.”
Each chapter helps you understand, recognize, and use these in your writing and speaking.
📋 How Guruji Recommends You Study This Book
Here’s my personal method for making the most of this advanced book:
Step 1: Go slow — one concept per week
Each chapter is deep. Read it slowly and revisit as needed.
Step 2: Create an “Advanced Structures Notebook”
Write down each structure with 3–5 examples in your own words.
Step 3: Record yourself using these structures
Speak the sentences aloud. Record and listen. Fix your fluency.
Step 4: Write one paragraph every week using the new grammar
Use it in emails, IELTS essays, or social posts.
Step 5: Combine it with what you learned from the other books
Use The Well-Spoken Thesaurus to improve vocabulary.
Use Sin and Syntax to add style.
Use Elements of Eloquence for rhythm.
Now, back it all with perfect grammar from this book.
🏆 Who Should Use This Book?
This book is not for absolute beginners. It’s for you if:
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You are preparing for IELTS 7.5+
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You’re aiming to become a fluent public speaker
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You want to write articles, reports, research papers
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You’re an English teacher or trainer
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You are applying for jobs where English level matters
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You want to sound intelligent, respectful, and global
✨ Final Words from Sunil Sir
My dear learners,
This is where casual English ends and expert English begins.
When you speak or write using advanced grammar correctly, people start noticing your:
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Confidence
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Intelligence
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Professionalism
You start sounding like a leader, not just a learner.
This is what Advanced English Grammar: A Linguistic Approach can do for you. Yes, it will challenge you — but it will also transform you.
And remember — if you want to learn these concepts in easy Hindi-English with fun, jokes, and real-life examples — I’m teaching them on Guruji English Classes YouTube Channel every week.
🎓 What’s Next?
Congratulations! You’ve now learned about 5 powerful books that can take your English from average to amazing.
In the next blog (or video), I’ll help you create a study plan using these books. But for now — choose one book and start your journey.
Don’t forget:
📌 Subscribe to Guruji English Classes
📌 Practice every day
📌 Speak smart, speak strong!
You have the tools now. Time to build your success.