When you think about learning English, what comes to mind first? For many students, the answer is grammar.
Grammar rules can make us feel like “serious” students because they give structure and order to the language. But do we really need grammar to become good English speakers? Or is it better to just “pick it up” naturally?
Many English learners actually enjoy studying grammar. When you learn a new tense, like the present perfect, you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret code. Grammar can make you feel confident because you know the rules.
Also, grammar gives you a sense of progress. If you can explain the difference between “I have eaten” and “I ate”, you feel like a real student of English!
That’s one reason why Perfectly Spoken is introducing live Saturday morning Grammar Practice Sessions – because we know many of you love grammar and want more chances to practise it.
On the other hand, some people argue that grammar study is not always necessary. After all, babies don’t learn grammar rules before they start speaking!
Imagine this: You go to live in an English-speaking country. You hear English every day. You copy what people say. Without learning “rules,” you’ll start speaking naturally. This is how many people around the world learn their second or third languages.
In fact, some experts believe too much focus on grammar can make learners nervous. They worry about making mistakes, so they speak less.
So, what do experts think about learning grammar? The answer is: a bit of both!
So, grammar study is helpful – but it works best when combined with real practice in speaking, listening, and writing.
Grammar is like the “road signs” of language. If you don’t use them, people might still understand you, but sometimes the meaning becomes confusing.
Example: “I go school yesterday” – people will probably guess your meaning, but it’s not clear. “I went to school yesterday” is clear and correct.
Some students find that knowing grammar rules actually speeds up their learning. Instead of memorising thousands of sentences, you can understand the pattern and create your own.
For example, once you learn how the past tense works, you can use it with many verbs: walked, studied, travelled.
If you plan to take an English exam like IELTS, Cambridge First (B2), or TOEFL, grammar is very important. Examiners look for correct sentence structures, verb forms, and word order. Without grammar, you’ll lose marks, even if your ideas are strong.
In speaking, mistakes are often forgiven. In writing, grammar mistakes are more obvious. Good grammar makes your essays, emails, and reports look professional and reliable.
Many learners say that knowing grammar gives them confidence. You don’t just “hope” you are correct – you know you are correct. This can make you braver when speaking or writing.
The answer is: yes, but not only grammar. Grammar helps you feel confident and organised, but real progress comes when you use English in real situations.
At Perfectly Spoken, we know many of you enjoy grammar – and we do too! That’s why we’re so excited to invite you to our Saturday morning Grammar Practice Sessions. They’re the perfect way to combine learning the rules with practising them in a fun, supportive environment.
So, come along, bring your questions, and let’s “do grammar” together – the Perfectly Spoken way!
Start your 7-Day Trial now with access to a selection of video lessons and live practice sessions
