Some opinions on the internet claim that learning grammar rules is unnecessary. It is argued that we learned to master our native language without formal grammar knowledge, and that this could also apply to English.
However, the way adults and children learn languages differs fundamentally. Adults are not constantly surrounded by the target language and can, at best, only imitate it for limited periods. Furthermore, adults need logical structures and explanations to understand and apply language rules.
he importance of grammar in language acquisition
The question of the relevance of grammar in language learning is frequently asked. Some linguists and language learning apps believe that one can learn a language even without comprehensive grammar knowledge. As an expert in this field, however, I am convinced that this is not the case.
To truly master a language fluently, an understanding of its grammatical structures is essential (for further advice on language learning, see the pages " The 15 hardest languages in the world: Our ranking " and " Which language should you learn? TOP10 languages for different occasions ").
Grammar skills are not acquired automatically, for example, by simply listening to texts or learning words from pictures. Grammar forms the foundation of every language.
Image by Gerd Altmann on Pixabay
Without the corresponding grammatical rules, even a large vocabulary remains unused. Without a fundamental understanding of language structure, it becomes impossible to speak, read, or translate meaningfully. Grammar establishes the principles according to which meaningful and correct sentences are formed.
Once you have thoroughly learned English grammar, you will be able to freely form sentences and intuitively choose the appropriate tense. The rules are first studied using proven methods.
Over time, this develops into a skill that allows the knowledge to be applied automatically and without conscious thought. The more intensively one practices, the more effective and faster the learning process becomes.
The challenges of English grammar for native German speakers
Learning English is always a challenging task that requires a genuine interest in acquiring the necessary knowledge. Without the right motivation, even the best teachers and learning materials make it impossible to successfully process new information.
English grammar often poses a challenge for native German speakers. Some specific areas prove to be particularly difficult:
- Articles: In English, there are definite (the) and indefinite (a, an) articles, which are used differently in German. Native German speakers must learn when and how to use these articles correctly. Example: "a book" (ein Buch), "the book" (das Buch).
- Tenses: English has 12 tenses , while German only has 6. Understanding and correctly using these tenses requires additional attention and practice. Example: "I eat" (simple present), "I am eating" (present continuous), "I have eaten" (present perfect).
- Prepositions: The use of prepositions in English differs considerably from that in German. Some prepositions have multiple meanings and uses in English, which can lead to confusion. Example: "at the table" (am Tisch), "on the table" (auf dem Tisch).
- Sentence structure: While sentence structure in German is relatively flexible, English follows strict rules. The typical English sentence structure is subject-verb-object (SVO), which can require some adjustment for native German speakers. Example: "She reads a book" (Sie liest ein Buch).
- Gerund: The gerund is a form of the verb that is used as a noun. There is no direct equivalent in German, which makes understanding and correct use in English difficult. Example: "Swimming is fun" (Schwimmen macht Spaß).
- Irregular verbs: The English language has many irregular verbs whose forms must be memorized. Example: "go" – "went" – "gone".
Overcoming these challenges requires time and practice. Regular practice and using the language in different contexts can help overcome these grammatical hurdles. Understanding the specific differences and focusing on problematic areas can make the learning process more effective.
10 effective methods for learning English grammar
I have been learning English since my school days and continued my studies at Kyiv Linguistic University, specializing in English language and literature. Afterwards, I minored in American Studies at Goethe University. Over the years, I have tried out numerous methods and strategies.
Today I would like to present to you the methods that have proven to be particularly effective in mastering English grammar.
#1. Identify and specifically learn important grammar topics
If you're not learning English from scratch, the question often arises as to which topics to tackle first. A proven method is to use the "Study Guide" section from a textbook in the "Grammar in Use" series. This section offers a grammar test that can help you evaluate your knowledge.
Complete this test and compare your answers with the solutions at the end of the book. Note down the questions you found difficult. Next to these questions, you will find references to the corresponding chapters in the textbook that cover the respective grammatical topics. This will give you a targeted overview of the areas you need to review further.
Work through the listed chapters systematically and practice the grammatical structures described therein. This method will allow you to specifically address your weaknesses and effectively improve your grammar skills.
#2. Repeat regularly and reinforce.
In order to retain the learned grammatical structures in the long term, it is crucial to continuously review and reinforce the material.
Regular repetition at set intervals supports long-term memory and consolidates knowledge. Various techniques can be used, such as reworking practice exercises, reviewing notes, or using flashcards.
The method of staggered repetition, in which content is reviewed at increasingly longer intervals, is particularly effective. Regular self-tests also help to check the current level of knowledge and identify any gaps.
Conscious and planned repetition ensures that grammatical rules are deeply ingrained in memory and can be recalled in the long term.
#3. Applying grammar in practice
Take every opportunity to apply grammar rules in practice and thus transform your theoretical knowledge into practical language skills. Write English texts regularly, such as essays, diary entries, or short stories, to actively use the grammar you have learned.
Translating texts or writing emails and messages in English also offer valuable practice opportunities. Furthermore, it is helpful to have conversations with native speakers, whether in language courses, language cafés, or through tandem partnerships.
Actively using the language brings what has been learned to life and makes the grammar rules more natural and intuitive to use.
Practical exercises are therefore an essential part of the learning process and contribute significantly to consolidating grammatical knowledge.
#4. Test and practice regularly
By regularly completing tests and exercises, you can continuously check your knowledge, identify weaknesses, and work on them specifically.
Regular tests provide an objective measurement of learning progress and highlight areas that still need improvement. Utilize a variety of exercises to cover all aspects of grammar. Online platforms, textbooks, and worksheets offer diverse practice opportunities.
It is important to analyze the test results and understand the sources of error in order to work specifically on weaknesses. Continuous practice and testing solidify knowledge and make the application of grammar increasingly confident and automatic.
My tip: Here you can find an English grammar test from Oxford Online English (there are many online).
#5. Learn English grammar through music and videos
Listening and watching are valuable tools for learning grammar. By listening to English songs or watching videos in English, you can observe native speakers using grammatical structures. Over time, the correct application of these structures will become ingrained in your memory.
Music offers the advantage of often containing repetitive patterns and rhymes that facilitate the memorization of grammatical rules. When listening, pay attention to sentence structures, verb forms, and prepositions. Singing along can also be helpful, as it encourages the active use of grammar.
Videos and films also provide the context in which the language is used, which deepens the understanding of the correct application of grammar. Subtitles can help to better grasp and process what is heard.
Repeated viewing and listening enhances the learning effect, as grammar is transferred to long-term memory through constant repetition. This method combines entertainment with learning, which increases motivation and makes the learning process more enjoyable.
#6. Using social media for learning English
It's a good idea to use social media specifically for learning English. Join groups and pages for English learners on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Examples of useful accounts are "BBC Learning English" on YouTube and "English with Lucy" on Instagram.
Reddit and Quora also offer valuable resources. On Reddit, for example, you can follow the subreddit "r/EnglishLearning", while on Quora, questions on specific grammar topics can be asked and answered.
By actively participating in discussions and regularly reading and writing posts, you will continuously improve your grammar skills.
#7. Read articles and books to improve your grammar.
Read English texts regularly, both silently and aloud. Reading aloud helps you understand the practical application of grammar and strengthens both visual and auditory memory. This will help you memorize correct sentence structures more effectively.
Choose diverse sources to learn a wide range of grammatical constructions. For beginners, books like "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White and "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss are suitable. More advanced readers can turn to "Harry Potter" by J.K. Rowling or "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.
Articles from the "New York Times" or "The Guardian" also offer valuable reading practice. Online portals such as "BBC Learning English" and "Simple English Wikipedia" are also good resources for practicing reading and comprehension.
Learn English online:
- English for your holiday: The best apps compared
- 200 important English phrases you should know when traveling
- Learn English with Duolingo: How good is the app in practice?
#8. Learn English grammar with learning apps
There are numerous English language learning apps that can help you improve your understanding of English grammar. One particularly recommended app is Learn English Grammar for Android and iOS. This language learning app allows you to practice your grammar and test your knowledge.
LearnEnglish Grammar is a free app specifically designed to improve the accuracy of your English grammar. It offers thousands of practice questions aimed at solidifying your English skills. The app is suitable for learners of all levels and offers exercises at the beginner (CEFR level A1), elementary, intermediate, and advanced (CEFR level C2) levels.
Each level comprises over 600 grammar exercises, divided into approximately 25 different topics. These include, among others, the simple past tense, the progressive past tense, question endings, prepositions, conditional sentences, and the future perfect tense. The exercises utilize 10 different exercise types, such as gap-fill exercises, multiple choice questions, and matching exercises.
#9. Use classic grammar books
In deepening my English skills, I've found that classic grammar books provide a solid foundation. An outstanding example is "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy. This book is known for its clear structure and offers a wide variety of exercises that reinforce the understanding of grammar rules. The exercises range from simple fill-in-the-blank exercises to more complex examples that allow you to apply the grammar in different contexts.
Another highly recommended book is "Practical English Usage" by Michael Swan, which offers detailed explanations of typical grammatical problems and provides practical tips on applying the rules. These books helped me to systematically build my knowledge and to precisely understand the rules of English grammar.
#10. Planning and implementing time management
Effective time management is crucial for long-term success in learning English grammar. Schedule dedicated time for grammar study and set clear, achievable goals. Create a detailed study plan that includes regular and realistic study times.
Set yourself specific goals, such as mastering certain grammar topics or passing a test. Variety in the learning process and combining different learning methods will help keep your motivation high.
Structured time management ensures that grammatical skills are continuously developed and that the learning process is efficient and goal-oriented.
Learn English effectively with Babbel: My personal app recommendation
The Babbel learning app is my clear recommendation for learning English, as the app places a special emphasis on grammar compared to others such as Rosetta Stone , Mondly , Duolingo and Memrise .
While all these apps offer structured learning content for reading, listening, speaking and writing, Babbel additionally offers detailed grammar explanations and exercises that significantly deepen the understanding of the language (read more: The Babbel English course under the microscope – personally tested ).
The integrated vocabulary trainer with German translations makes learning even easier. Babbel's specialized courses covering Business English and cultural insights are particularly useful. This content is ideal for those who need professional English or want to expand their cultural knowledge.
My tip: Take a look at my guides " 10 Practical Business English Apps: From Listening Comprehension to Vocabulary Training " and " Business Etiquette: Successfully Introducing Yourself in English (+Example Texts) ". These have helped me enormously, and I'm sure they will also help you to successfully master your business English.
Babbel offers a wide range of learning methods that make language learning varied and engaging. These include classic vocabulary quizzes, multiple-choice tests, interactive exercises, and realistic conversation scenarios. Each exercise is visually appealing and embedded in lively contexts that facilitate learning.
Although Babbel is less focused on scores these days than it used to be, the app still incorporates gamified elements. Similar to a computer game where you maintain a daily "streak," this motivates regular language practice. This playful approach is not only fun but also gives you the feeling of being productive during short waiting periods.
What didn't work for me
During my language learning journey, I tried various methods to improve my English skills . Unfortunately, I found that not all methods are equally effective. Some approaches I tested proved to be of little help and didn't produce the desired results.
- Isolated learning of grammar rules : When I first started learning English, I focused heavily on memorizing grammar rules and structures. I spent hours studying tables and diagrams without applying these rules in practice. As a result, while I knew the rules theoretically, I struggled to apply them in real conversations or when writing texts.
- Lack of practical application : I also tried to improve my grammar skills by creating "diagrams" to better understand sentence structure. But ultimately, this didn't help me speak or write more fluently and naturally. I could recognize the rules on paper, but I found it difficult to apply them correctly in real communicative situations.
- Overestimating the power of simply knowing parts of speech : For a long time, I thought that learning the different parts of speech was enough to improve my writing skills. But I soon realized that understanding parts of speech is only one part of grammar. It's just as important to know how to combine these elements to form clear and meaningful sentences.
- Lack of integration of reading and writing : Another mistake was focusing too much on studying grammar and neglecting reading and writing in the language. Reading helps to understand grammatical structures in their natural context, while writing promotes the practical application of these rules.
Overall, I've learned that the most effective way to learn grammar is through a combination of theoretical understanding and practical application. It's important to view grammar as a tool for expressing oneself in the language, and not as isolated knowledge of rules and structures.
What role does motivation play in the language learning process?
The question arises whether motivation plays a decisive role?
Absolutely, that's my answer.
In general, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude and high motivation while learning in order to be successful (more information on this can be found on the page: “ Not in the mood to learn languages? How to awaken your learning motivation ”).
Here are some reasons why this is of great importance:
- Maintaining interest in learning: If the learning process becomes monotonous or demanding, there is a risk that interest will wane. A positive attitude and motivation are essential to maintain interest and continue pursuing the goal.
- Improved cognitive performance: In a positive mood, we can concentrate better and absorb information more effectively. This promotes the learning of English grammar.
- Stress management: Learning can be stressful, especially when processing complex material or understanding rules. Motivation and positive emotions can help reduce stress and make the learning process more enjoyable.
Conclusion: The importance of English grammar in language learning and beyond
Learning English grammar forms a fundamental pillar in the study of the language as a whole. It not only enables the correct use of words and expressions, but also supports the correct syntactic structuring of sentences and the understanding of texts in general.
This knowledge is essential for successful communication with English-speaking people, whether traveling, working or studying in English-speaking countries, or pursuing professional dreams worldwide.
Personally, I've learned how important it is to have a thorough command of English grammar. During my studies abroad and in international work environments, I realized that grammatical precision not only enhances understanding but also boosts confidence in language use. Through regular practice and applying grammatical rules in practical situations, I was able to significantly improve my communication skills and overcome cultural barriers.
It is crucial not only to focus on vocabulary but also to understand the structure of the language in order to use it effectively. On the pages " Learn vocabulary easily and reliably – here's how with our tips! " and " Vocabulary trainer apps tested: The best tools for a large foreign language vocabulary, " I have compiled further information on the topic of language learning.
Mastering English grammar not only opens up new opportunities for personal and professional development, but also promotes understanding and appreciation of foreign cultures.
Don't let the challenges discourage you, but use them as an incentive to continuously improve your grammar skills.
With perseverance and the right attitude, you can not only achieve your language learning goals, but also further develop your skills and discover new horizons!
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