Grammar, a very helpful friend if you understand it properly, no doubt. Grammar in simple terms is the art of putting the right words in the right place. It concerns the arrangement of words in sentences and paragraphs. It also has to do with correct spelling, punctuation (use of full stops, commas e.t.c) and other components.
If grammar is so helpful, why do many people struggle with it? Well, grammar is a handful. It is a complex structure and thus some people find it difficult and overwhelming to grasp because it looks intimidating as a whole.
Others might have never really taken the time or had the chance to learn and reinforce some of the basic guidelines guiding grammar in their language and as a result struggle with it now.
Why should you improve your grammar?
- It can help you gradually boost your confidence and self-esteem especially while speaking or writing among your peers.
- You'll also be able to share your ideas and make meaningful contributions to discussions as well.
- It can allow you to increase your efficiency at work by improving your communication. You will be able to understand and be understood by others.
- You will also learn to select the appropriate words and use them correctly in sentences or paragraphs.
- And last but not least it will help you improve your writing skills and public speaking skills.
Grammar does not have to be difficult to learn, despite its complexity. It should be encouraging to know that you don't have to understand all of the rules before you can strengthen your speaking and writing or master the language. If you are a native or non-native English speaker who is struggling with grammar, the actions outlined here should help you gradually improve.
How to Improve Your Grammar
1. Learn the foundations of grammar:
The foundations of grammar are the primary elements that make up the basic framework of a language. To speak and write meaningful and grammatically sound English, you must be familiar with them. Some grammar elements you may need to learn or review include:
- Parts of speech. Every word belongs to one of the parts of speech that exist. They decide how a word should be used in a sentence.
- Proper wording. This includes sentence structure that follows the S-V-O (subject-verb-object) order.
- Sentence punctuation. The use of commas, periods, question marks, and other punctuation signs.
- These are only a few examples. To learn more, check for grammar blogs online or purchase grammar handbooks that cover the foundations.
2. Read a lot of material:
Start with grammar books, which will be more insightful as you progress and will teach you the rules of grammar. Once you've learned them, you can start identifying these rules in other works you read, such as newspaper articles and other literature. When reading, take note of the writer's sentence form, length, and punctuation. Additionally, you can learn new words. Some grammar books that African students have found useful because of their simplicity include Brighter grammar books 1 -4 (Phoebean Ogundipe) and Mastering English(M.O. Odiaka)
3. Take a grammar class:
In your area, you can locate a qualified English instructor who can help you master the grammatical parts of the language. If you don't, you could take advantage of paid English grammar online classes offered by online learning sites.
4. Regular practice:
As you study the foundations and the rules that guide their application, begin to use what you're learning in your speech and writing as soon as possible to get used to them. Writing exercises should be done daily. Use proper tenses and word order when speaking on social media or conversing in person with friends. Pay close attention to your spelling and pronunciation too.
5. Use internet resources:
There are many grammatical tools available online these days, and the good thing is that most of them are free. Download grammar games and applications to have fun while practising your grammar through quizzes and other methods. Because these games are instructional, accurate corrections and explanations for incorrect responses may be provided so that you can learn. There are also online writing communities on social media platforms like Facebook where you may view and discuss grammar tips, this can give you more exposure.
These are some ideas to get you started. Grammar in every language, no matter how complex, can be grasped with speed provided you break it down into smaller pieces (return to the foundations) instead of going at it as a whole and following the rules and principles that are in place to assist.
If you found any of these tips helpful you can drop alike. Do you have any more suggestions? Let us know in the comment section!
You might also be interested in reading:
How to improve your writing skills
How to be a better public speaker
SmartSMSSolutions is one of the largest Bulk SMS systems in Nigeria today, with over 45,000 users. For further enquiries about the services we offer please contact us on 08035515868 via call, chat with us on WhatsApp on 07034243326 or email us at