The most effective way to learn English grammar is to deepen your understanding of it step by step. Below are the steps for understanding English grammar from beginner to advanced level. The content is designed with special attention to English for entrance examinations and university entrance examinations.
① Basic understanding (understanding sentence structure)
Understanding the basic structure of English sentences
- Understanding of parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.)
- Sentence elements (subject, verb, object, complement, modifier)
- Basic sentence patterns (SV/SVO/SVC/SVOO/SVOC)
- Use of “be” verbs and common verbs
- Tenses (present, past, future)
Comprehension check:
- What is the sentence pattern of “She is a teacher.”?
- What is the sentence pattern of “I gave him a book.“?
② Mastering basic grammar (learning grammar rules)
Learn the grammatical rules for creating correct English sentences
- Auxiliary verbs (can, will, must, etc.)
- Infinitives and verbal nouns
- Comparison (primary, comparative, superlative)
- Passive voice
- Conjunctions (and, but, because, if, etc.)
Comprehension check:
- What is the meaning and grammatical structure of “He must have gone there.”?
- Why is “I” of “She is taller than I.” not “me”?
③ Understanding of applied grammar (application to reading and writing)
To be aware of English grammar and be able to use it in long reading comprehension and English composition.
- Relative verbs (who, which, that, whose, etc.)
- Subjunctive (If I were, If I had, would, etc.)
- Participle constructions
- Inverted and emphatic constructions
- Noun clauses, adverb clauses, adjective clauses
Comprehension check:
- What does “If I had studied harder, I would have passed.” mean?
- What does “talking” mean in “The man talking to Mary is my uncle.“?
④ Strengthen practical and operational skills (question practice and actual use)
To make the skills usable without being conscious of grammatical knowledge.
Methods:
- Grammar exercises (4 choices, ordering, correcting incorrect sentences, etc.)
- Short compositions and instantaneous English compositions using English grammar
- Reading long sentences with grammar in mind
- Practice “choosing grammar on your own” in English composition
⑤ Fixing and deepening (output and feedback)
To find and correct one’s weak points and consolidate knowledge
Methods:
- Check grammar knowledge by solving mock exams and past exams.
- Read explanations and record your mistakes (make a grammar notebook)
- Teach/explain to others to consolidate knowledge
Advice:
- From ① to ②, repetition and memorization are important.
- From ③ onward, focus on contextual understanding and application.
- It is efficient to make a “review list” of grammar areas you have difficulty with.