Learning grammar can be intimidating, but it is an essential part of mastering any language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding grammar is key to communicating effectively and accurately. In this blog post, we will explore the top three research-based reasons why studying grammar is important for English language learners and provide tips on how to improve your grammar skills.
Improved Communication
Have you ever found yourself struggling to express an idea in English because you didn't know the right grammar structure? Learning grammar helps learners to communicate more effectively by providing them with a framework for understanding the structure of a language. By mastering grammar, learners can express themselves accurately and clearly, making it easier for others to understand them.
For example, let's say you are a Korean student who wants to study abroad in an English-speaking country. Without a solid understanding of English grammar, you may struggle to communicate your thoughts and ideas effectively in academic and social settings.
However, by studying grammar and practicing using it in different contexts, you can improve your communication skills and feel more confident in your ability to express yourself in English.
Understanding English grammar is crucial for effective communication. Good grammar usage can help a speaker to be perceived as more credible and intelligent. For example, imagine you are listening to a lecture given by a professor who is constantly making grammatical errors. Would you be more or less likely to take their ideas seriously? Most likely, you would be less inclined to take their ideas seriously.
By mastering grammar, learners can communicate in a way that conveys credibility and intelligence.
Clear communication is another reason why grammar is essential. Poor grammar can lead to embarrassing situations and misunderstandings. For example, let's say you are at a job interview and the interviewer asks you, "Can you tell me about a time when you have worked well in a team?" If you reply, "Me and my team did a great job on a project," it's a common mistake of using "me" instead of "I" that can hinder communication. The interviewer may assume that you are not a strong communicator and overlook your candidacy for the job. However, if you respond with, "My team and I did a great job on a project," it demonstrates your understanding of proper grammar and your ability to communicate effectively. By mastering grammar, learners can avoid embarrassing situations and ensure that their messages are understood clearly.
Higher Proficiency
Research has shown that learners who study grammar achieve higher levels of proficiency in the language than those who do not. Grammar provides learners with a systematic way to understand the language and develop their skills. For example, learning the rules of verb tenses can help learners to communicate about past, present, and future events with accuracy and clarity.
Additionally, understanding the rules of English grammar can help learners to recognize patterns in the language, which can make it easier to learn new vocabulary and sentence structures. For example, if a learner knows that adjectives generally come before nouns in English, they can easily understand the meaning of a sentence like "the green car" or "the beautiful house."
In addition to improving communication, mastering grammar can also lead to higher proficiency in the language. Proficiency involves being able to use a language in a variety of contexts, such as social, academic, and professional settings. Knowing grammar helps learners to express themselves accurately and appropriately in each of these contexts.
See how NSEO teachers support students, so that they are practicing using correct English grammar in real time:
Grammar knowledge allows learners to recognize and use English language patterns. For example, if a learner understands the difference between the simple present and present progressive tenses, they can use them correctly in different contexts. This kind of knowledge will make it easier for learners to understand new material and acquire new vocabulary more quickly.
Reduced Errors
Learning grammar can also help learners to reduce errors in their speaking and writing. For example, common errors like using the wrong verb tense or subject-verb agreement can be corrected more easily when learners understand the grammar patterns behind them.
Let's take a closer look at subject-verb agreement as an example. In English, the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example, "He walks to the store" is correct, while "He walk to the store" is incorrect because "walk" is not in agreement with the singular subject "he." By understanding this grammar rule, learners can correct errors in their own writing and speaking and avoid common mistakes.
See how Teacher Joe corrected ingrained pronunciation and grammar errors with student Hyesung:
Another example such as using the wrong verb tense can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. Consider the sentence, "I have been studying English for three years." The present perfect continuous tense in this sentence indicates that the speaker started studying English in the past and has continued to study up to the present moment. However, if the speaker mistakenly uses the present perfect tense and says, "I have studied English for three years," it suggests that the speaker started and completed the studying in the past. Understanding verb tenses can help learners to use the correct tense and avoid such errors.
To improve your grammar skills, it is important to practice using English in different contexts.
Here are a few tips for incorporating grammar practice into your language learning routine:
- Read, read, read! Reading English-language materials, such as books, newspapers, and articles, can help learners to recognize grammar patterns in context and build vocabulary.
- Listen to English podcasts or watch English-language TV shows or movies. This can help learners to become more familiar with different accents and colloquial language while also practicing listening and comprehension skills.
- Practice writing in English regularly. Writing exercises, such as journaling, can help learners to practice using grammar in context and develop their writing skills.
- Take online grammar quizzes or courses. There are many resources available online for learners who want to improve their grammar skills, including free quizzes and courses.
In conclusion, mastering English grammar is essential for English language learners because it improves communication, increases proficiency, and reduces errors. Good grammar can also enhance credibility, ensure clear communication, and help learners understand patterns and acquire new vocabulary more quickly. With practice and dedication, learners can master English grammar and become confident communicators in social, academic, and professional settings.
At Now Speak English Online (NSEO), we believe that grammar is a critical component of language learning. That's why we employ research-based methods for teaching grammar, including the use of customized learning programs that teach skills based on student assessments of grammar so that no time is wasted. Our teachers are all native English speakers, so they are experts with English grammar and can provide students with feedback and practice regarding their grammar. With NSEO, your child can excel in becoming comfortable with English and have grammar like a native speaker.
