Grammar is the glue of all languages
My pupils know how passionate I am about grasping grammar! Considered by many as the least exciting part of learning, grammar really is the glue of all languages. Phrases, vocabulary and conversation are key ingredients in language but it's the grammar that holds all those parts together and it’s absolutely essential to get a good grasp of grammar when learning a new language. You won’t be able to convey your ideas to their full extension without a good command of the underlying grammar patterns and structures of the language.
But let's not forget that grammar can be tricky to grasp, and takes effort to really embed the rules into your learning. So here are a few tips and tricks on how to improve your grammar and fluency.
1. Focus on short segments when tackling grammar
Six 10-minute sessions of grammar practice are better than one hour straight. We learn best by tackling our studies in short segments - language is learned by frequent repetition in short sessions. Take a look at this FluentU blog which explains that how we learn - most importantly how frequently we study and for how long - is just as important as what we are trying to learn.
2. Practise sentence structures with drills and exercises
Getting the order of the words incorrectly in a sentence can change the meaning of the sentence completely so it's important to get the rules and patterns right from the start. Do not be afraid of using grammar drills and patterns - and repeat them as often as you can. Look at exercises where you put a series of words into the correct order, or fill in the blanks. I am not going to lie, learning grammar patterns can be time consuming but if neglected can make your work in exams less accurate and and cost you valuable marks!
3. Create a visual aid to help embed your learning
A top tip for successful revision is to create colourful grammar tables for common verbs with the conjugations in a variety of different tenses so that you can be confident when it comes to exams. This is particularly helpful with irregular verbs which tend o be included in tests as a way to trick you! Make sure you make irregular verbs stand out in your notes, to create a visual memory aid that you can trigger when you see those verbs in your exam. My students know I am a huge advocate of the highlighter - highlighting important grammar points will make revision so much easier!
4.Read a book you are familiar with in a foreign language
Fluency in language is what you are aiming for. Reading a book in a second language that you have read before in English, and better still that you absolutely love, can really help with building grammar skills. We have highlighted some of our favourites in our separate blog on this subject!
If you'd like some help taking your languages to the next level, please get in touch. We offer one-to-one tutoring for GSCE and A Level, face to face or on zoom, adult classes and GCSE Revision Days in French and German.
Justine Burnett
justine@thelanguagecabin.co.uk