Of all the languages in the world, the English language is one of the hardest to master. I'm born and bred in England and English is my own native language, I'm really glad I have a pretty good understanding of the language. Comparing it with other languages, like Japanese and Russian, and their complexities.
Grammar is the part of the English language that most people struggle with. As many foreigners would agree. The rules of grammar, its exceptions, changes in word order, and difficulties with sentence construction. These points are enough to put anyone off learning the language.
Latin has had a huge influence on the English language, and its authority was such that for people to be accepted into society they had to know Latin. By the eighteenth century, in order to be accepted into educated society you had to know Latin. People quickly began looking at the terms and distinctions that had been used in studying Latin. Scholars soon realised that English had no word-endings, and therefore there were no real grammar rules.
But word-endings make up only a small part of modern English grammar. You'll find that most rules of grammar operate using an order of words. The order of words can change the meaning of a sentence, and this enables the speaker to get their message across in a practical manner.
English speakers never think twice about the rules that govern the language, because they're taught it at an early age.
Grammar Used in Speech and Writing
A lot of people tend to disregard grammar when it's spoken rather than when it's written. This is because most native English speakers think their own level of the English language is somehow less than that of English spoken by a foreign speaker.
Of course spoken and written English are two totally different things. When you speak you have no time to write things down, you just say what you need to say. However, with written English you make notes, plan ahead, and reflect on what you want to say. Enabling you to have the time to write and edit your work, and end up with polished text.
It's essential not to inflate the variations between written and spoken English. With over 95 per cent of grammatical constructions in English emerging in both written and spoken expression. There are a number of kinds of language use where the line between speech and writing starts to blur. This happens with things like speeches, radio plays, and news broadcasts. But, even this kind of English has structure.
Understanding Grammar and Discovering Grammar
From a very early age children are taught the basics, and then gradually build up to the intricacies, without being burdened. Unfortunately this learning process doesn't quite work for adults. Instead, adult learning centres around being taught how each grammar rule works. This can be a laborious trial and error technique, and may bore a lot of learners to tears.
Sadly the English language has been handled badly by grammarians over the centuries, leaving many school leavers with a sense of boredom at the thought of the English language. Most native English speakers might tell you their knowledge of the language is really poor.
It was in the 1760s when grammarians started laying down the rules that they thought should govern the language. In time, correct grammar usage was created and quickly taught in schools. Most children learned how grammar was used in educated society, and then went on to use it in their written and spoken language. Even then early on problems began to arise in variations and usage, along with exceptions to the rule. In today's world these arguments still grumble about the way English is used.
You and Grammar
Using good grammar everyday should be the way we all communicate the English language. Otherwise communication starts falling apart. It takes time to master, and requires consistent practice and awareness. Clear communication will open doors in all areas of life.
Practice makes perfect, so it's good to use tools at hand, starting with conversation, reading, and practice when it's required.
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