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Teaching by Example

Grammar Matters

By The English Unit, Languages & Literature Branch 1, CPDD

Having trouble checking for grammatical errors in your writing? Here’s one quick tip that you can use right now to check your grammar mistakes: Read the written text aloud or have someone read it to you. This is because most of us speak better grammar than what we write, so if the sentence sounds funny to you then chances are that it is grammatically incorrect.

When we learn a new language, we naturally learn to speak it before learning how to write. While the grammar of speech differs in some aspects from the grammar of writing, some cognitive scientists believe that our knowledge of language comes more from studying speech than writing. That is why the exercise above can be a great help in improving your written grammar.

Every language is unique in terms of its syntax and usage, and the English Language (EL) is no different. There are grammatical rules but there are also exceptions to these rules depending on the context in which the language is used. Grammar can be learnt at the word, sentence and text levels. While you can take a formal approach to learning grammar by familiarising yourself with the rules, it is better to learn the grammar forms and structures within the context they are used.

By the Book
You can refer to dictionaries such as the Collins Cobuild English Language Dictionary, which explain both word meanings and usage, to learn the correct usage of words. Alternatively, reference books on grammar, which highlight common errors, can be a great source of help in clarifying ambiguities in grammar. To begin with, you could check out some of these guides:

•	Grammar Matters – A series of grammar booklets published by RELC, which include titles such as Talking About Things, Talking About Actions, Talking About Time and Place, Talking With Others and Talking At Length. Comic strips and examples of texts are also used to illustrate grammatical usage in these books, which makes for an interesting learning experience.
•	Practical English Usage (second edition) – An academic reference which uses technical language to explain grammatical rules, by author Michael Swan.

Grammar Courses
Another way to improve your grammar is to make a conscious effort to ensure grammatical accuracy in your speech and writing. One of the fastest ways to improve would be to consult with your colleagues. Often, by discussing a grammatical point, we gain valuable insights into how language works.

If you are someone who learns better by immersion, then perhaps taking up some courses would be the way to go. The Staff Training Branch of MOE offers courses for teachers to enhance their knowledge of English grammar. Other grammar-related courses which are open to both EL and non-EL teachers include:

•	Contextual and Practical Grammar and Grammar & Speaking (Advanced), by NUS Extension
•	Effective Report Writing, by Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
•	Write Grammar and Write It Right, by IPAM, Civil Service College

You could also browse the course catalogue of institutions of higher learning and organisations to look for an appropriate course to attend. Check out these websites for more information:

The British Council: www.britishcouncil.org/sg.htm
Institute of Public Administration, Civil Service College: www.ipam.gov.sg
National Institute of Education: www.nie.edu.sg/gprica/courses/ic/pc_ic_ellpri.htm
NUS Extension: www.nus.edu.sg/nex
Singapore Institute of Management: www.sim.edu.sg
SEAMEO Regional Language Centre: www.relc.org.sg

[Disclaimer: All information on websites and courses are accurate at the time the article was written.]

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