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Introduction to Grammar

In order to be a better and more successful EFL teacher, a sound knowledge of grammar and its inherent terminology is not just necessary but crucial for the pacticing EFL teacher. If you have been told that learning grammar is a waste of time for native speakers, let me assure you that it is not. Without this knowledge you will never become a real EFL teacher. Teaching English as a Foreign Language is not easy. It requires a detailed knowledge not just of English but also about English. If it is not already, the difference will become clear to you as you progress through the module. What exactly is grammar? Grammar is a description of the underlying structure of a language, and of the way in which words and phrases can be combined in order to produce acceptable sentences in that language. It also includes the sounds of that language. If you have studied grammar elsewhere, you will notice some differences in the terminology used for EFL. Additionally, the definitions of some of the terms should be considered as 'working definitions' as they are not intended to be a basis for the study of linguistics, but for EFL and are 'simplified' to some extent. It should be understood that this module does not set out to cover all aspects of English grammar, but only the basics plus some points which are of particular concern to the EFL teacher. For those who might wish to look beyond what is contained herein a far more comprehensive treatment of English grammar can be found in Practical English Usage, by Michael Swan, published by Oxford University Press. You may also wish to browse throught the grammar pages found in the TEFL Clinic. There, in addition to simply reading about grammar, you can also look at how this grammar can be taught in a classroom setting. You may find some of the terminology difficult to remember and even a little confusing. Many people experience such difficulties at first so do not be put off. Good luck!