Grammar
很多人都在说中国人学英语跑偏了，学了太多语法，却依然不会开口说英语，所以很大一批人认为语法无用，我是不认同的。事实上，一个没有经过足够语法训练的美国文盲，他可能满嘴跑火车，说一口流利的街头英语，但绝对写不出漂亮的文章，而中国人学习英语，很大一部分人是职业和工作发展的需要，从这个意义上来说，语法是必须学的。那怎么学习语法呢？
- 朗读、阅读《新概念英语》形成语感，所谓语感就是虽然我不懂语法，但我知道这个话要这样说才顺。
- 学习一些简单的语法例如一些简单的规则，然后大概理解，并和自己的阅读和日常学习相关印证
- 学习旋老师的语法提纲挈领的把握全局（语法的Full picture）,再次升华自己的语法理解，知其然也知其所以然
- 深度学习剑桥系列语法特别当需要备考时
- 扩大阅读面融会贯通
What Exactly Is Grammar?
Grammar is the system that helps us arrange words to form meaningful sentences. It provides the structure that enables us to speak and write clearly, sharing ideas, asking questions, and understanding one another.
Official Definition: Grammar is the structure and system of a language, usually considered to consist of syntax (sentence structure) and morphology (word formation).
Where Does the Word "Grammar" Come From?
The English word grammar traces back to the Greek word grammatike, which means "the art of letters" or "the study of writing and language." This origin reminds us that grammar is fundamentally about understanding how language works.
Why Grammar Matters
Grammar serves as our communication framework. Without it, our messages can become confusing or unclear. Think of grammar as the blueprint that helps construct understandable sentences, enabling effective communication between people.
A Brief History of Grammar
Grammar has been studied for thousands of years:
- Ancient Greece: Among the first to systematically analyze language rules
- Roman Era: Scholars adapted Greek ideas to Latin
- Middle Ages: Grammar became a core subject in education
- 18th-19th Centuries: European scholars developed rules for many languages
- Today: Grammar continues to evolve as linguists study how people actually use language in everyday situations
Two Ways of Looking at Grammar
When discussing grammar, it's helpful to understand two different perspectives:
Prescriptive Grammar
Tells us how language should be used according to established rules and conventions. This approach focuses on "correct" versus "incorrect" usage.
Descriptive Grammar
Explains how people actually use language in real-life situations. This approach observes and describes language patterns without judgment.
Both perspectives offer valuable insights into how language works.
Grammar: Your Communication Friend
Many people view grammar as a set of restrictive rules, but it's more helpful to think of it as a helpful guide:
Grammar as a Signpost: Think of grammar as a map or signpost that helps you navigate language. When you understand a language's system, you can find your way more confidently without constantly needing guidance.
Do you need to study grammar to learn a language? For your native language, the answer is typically "no" - children speak fluently long before learning grammar rules. However, when learning a foreign language, understanding grammar can significantly accelerate your progress and efficiency.
Remember: Languages naturally evolve over time. What we call "grammar" is simply a snapshot of how a language works at a particular moment in its development.
Levels of English Grammar
English grammar operates at different levels:
- Word-Level Grammar: Covers verbs and tenses, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, etc.
- Sentence-Level Grammar: Covers phrases, clauses, reported speech, and how words combine to form sentences.
Grammar isn't about rigid rules - it's about understanding how language works to communicate more effectively.