Why Mastering Grammar Beats Relying on Intuition in Language Learning
When it comes to language learning, some argue that intuition, or a “feel” for the language, is more important than understanding grammar. For instance, I once had an IELTS student who claimed she never studied grammar but could speak fluent English.
In this article, I want to challenge that notion. Personally, I believe focusing on grammar is far more effective when learning a foreign language.
It’s More Cost-Effective
First, learning grammar is a more cost-effective approach.
If you’re on a budget or have limited time, diving into grammar rules and practicing them is a practical way to learn a language.
This method saves you the expense of traveling abroad, hiring a private tutor, or taking multiple classes, allowing you to grasp the language in a shorter time and sometimes at no cost.
For example, I taught myself enough to become an IELTS instructor without ever studying abroad or hiring a tutor. A large part of that success came from my understanding of grammar.