Some people may think English grammar is important. To make a grammatically correct sentence, you need to learn grammar such as verb tenses, prepositions, countable/uncountalbe nouns, collocations and so on - it definitely takes a lot of time and effort to learn all of them. And, if you want to pass an English test such as TOEFL, IELTS, you also need to learn grammar. Thus, people here (where I live) usually spend a lot of time learning grammar and they may start to learn it from the very beginning of their learning of English.
Some other people, however, insist that taking so much time to learn grammar is useless or just a waste of time. They reason that a child who lives in an English-speaking country can speak fluently and understand what others are saying very well, but they may not know much grammar.
I'm reading another English grammar book enthusiastically.
Do you find grammar important?
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Comments
Great! Yes, you can say that again. I really forget how I learned the grammar of my own native language. And I doubt if we really have our own grammar books which tell us how to use our own language. I'd say I've spent more time in learning English grammar than my mother tongue's. So, thanks again - I got it.
In terms of writing, it's also true that mastering grammar doesn't necessarily mean you've mastered the writing skills and can write fluently. Usually we don't know what to write or, just as you said, lacking in ideas. I did notice some good blogs by learners here, which may contain some grammar mistakes but definitely fluent. So, one's level of English writing may be related to that of one's mother tonguage. Or rather, writing is just an art which really need a little talent, isn't it?
Thanks for sharing the secret. So, no wonder most of the native English speakers don't seem to like to talk about grammar. I wonder how native students learn English course - they may just read the text and be totally unware of the grammar in it. It really interests me. And, Tara, as an English teacher, do you teach grammar? How do you teach it? Do you mind sharing more, Tara. Sounds like an interview with you. Huh!
There are many native English speakers in mainland China where I live now. Many of them may teach English to the locals. I know some of them are not really English teacher, so they may not teach grammar. But, the local teachers do teach grammar and pay more attention to grammar teaching. Maybe they think grammar is essential for students to learn a foreign language. And, no wonder Chinese students may get a higher score in TOFEL - probably because of their grammar knowledge.
I wonder what grammar teaching/learning is like in other countries (English speaking or non-English speaking ones).
Yes, reading comic strips/cartoons or watching videos is a good way to learn grammar. Learning something can be boring, so we really need something interesting, easy to read. Finding an effective or suitable way to learn is key to the success of learning.
I like reading comic strips, especially when I was a child. I still remember some impressive pictures. And, I still find it fun and useful to read comic strips/cartoons.
Now, with the use of Internet and other advanced media, it's getting easier and easier for us to get and learn all the original and helpful learning materials.
Thanks again for sharing all the useful ways with us.
Q: Why sould we learn grammar?
A: Grammar is essential for you to write correctly and idiomatically, to speak fluently, to communicate with others effectively, to enjoy others' writing easily, to take some English tests successfully, and so on.
Q: (Do you know) how to learn grammar effectively?
A: 1. Read enjoyable grammar learning materials, such as grammar books. Avoid reading something complex or difficult to learn. 2. Try to do the exercise a grammar book may provide. Through doing the exercise, you can really learn and master the content. 'Practice makes perfect.' 3. Repeat the reading and try to remember what you learn. You could find something you failed to grasp when read the content again. Make an effort to remember the content - good memory is of great help. 4. Write and read more. After learning the rules, you should write more using the knowledge of grammar. And, don't forget to read more writing. When reading, try to notice the smart use of grammar.
Many thanks for sharing your way to learn grammar. I'll add more about how to learn grammar effectively. But I'm afraid it's time for me to go to work, so sorry for this short feedback. Thanks again, Salim.
Thanks for your comment. Actually, I was hoping you could leave your comment on this blog. I hope more native English speakers here can share their thoughts about learning grammar.
Yes, it's really funny and a little unbelievable that 'native English students don't really learn grammar'. But, Tara, as a native English speaker, you must have learned grammar since your writing is impeccable, perfect, and definitely grammatically correct. And, how about the authors of all the English textbooks and masterpieces? They must have learned grammar, too.
I wonder why so many native English speakers don't like to talk about grammar-learning and -teaching. I was wondering other native speakers here could possibly to take the time to share their thoughts about this topic.
Thanks again, Tara.
Happy to know you find it useful. Grammar may be one of the most effective ways for non-native learners to learn a foreign language. I hope all the learners can find a wonderful way to learn and master grammar - reading this blog and all the comments, and taking part in the discussion may be helpful to your studies.
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