I want to ask about this question: How much should we learn about Grammar? Since it has many subjects to learn about and sometimes it makes beginners feel overwhelmed and desperate in which part they should start to learn grammar. Tenses, parts of speech, etc. Can anyone make a list contains which parts of Grammar that beginners should really understand?
For example, Is it important for a beginner to really understand parts of speech?
Replies
Hi Le thi,
I agree with you. Thanks for your opinion.
according to me there is no limitation of grammar and don't ever think you are here to learn grammar .just start communicating in english and you'll observe that that you are on the way of perfection and gradually you'll have a strong command on this language.
Hi, krishk
Thanks for your opinion.
Grammar is probably more important to second language learners of English because they may have less opportunity to learn the language by speaking alone. Languages contain patterns,sentences and groups of words. Students should learn how to communicate through understanding what is a question, a command, a statement to achieve a need. If a student needs to learn how to make an appointment with a doctor, the situation is first considered and then a closer look at the language required for the purpose of communication. Often communication with a doctor will involve questions and answers. Analysis of how to phrase a question will lead to breaking down its parts. Grammar has a place within the context of a situation and for a purpose. Grammar taught in isolation is very boring even to a native speaker.
from a school teacher who is studying a Masters degree in Linguistics
Hi Ameni,
Thanks for your opinion. I remember I did learn English the way you suggested above :)
Hi guys,
Thanks for all of your answers. But, I think it's a bit of misunderstanding here. I have another discussion asking about should we really care about grammar usage when we speak English: http://my.englishclub.com/forum/topics/do-we-need-to-learn-grammar-to.
But, in this particular discussion, I'm wondering about essential parts of grammar that a beginner should master or at least knows. So, he or she could improve her/his English better without being overwhelmed. Some members already wrote that they think add more vocabulary first and know how to use the words are important to start. Some others mentioned parts of grammar subjects such as tenses, direct-indirect speech, etc.
I think it's interesting. Thank you all. I'm sorry I cannot reply one by one.
I think we learn English naturally. We can only follow a simple structure to make sentence :
subject + verb + object + adverb.
Subject : I, we, you, he, she, it, they, somebody, something etc.
Verb : verb in present form/past form / aux.v + verb in present form.
Object : according to verb
Adverb : according to verb
Example : I/WE/YOU/HE/SHE/THEY + EAT(S)+RICE+EVERYDAY.
First we should emphasize on language then grammar.
@Nadira, Yahia, Ruby
Thanks for all of your comments. They are helpful. So, we need to learn it step by step and by using it constantly we can grasp it without being overwhelmed.
Dear Ario
English could be understood with poor grammar too , yet tht is not enough . Proper usage of grammatical structures are needed to have confidence and a polished way of speaking and writing. This will enable one to go long way in their profession , higher education and communication..
Grammar for a non native may look very freighting and appalling indeed . There are so many different ways and activities with the help of the internet to get over this freight ... One should not fear and learn through the traditional methods too, with a recommended Grammar Book .for exercises
Other ways one develops proficiency with the correct usage of grammar is, through the continuous usage of the language be it reading voraciously, writing profusely, listening attentively,and speaking fearlessly.
So what ever language we attempt to learn it should be done properly.
Thanks Hala, Wade and Chandra. Your explanations are useful :)
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