Grammar

Practising Grammar

Many of us remember it from school: to learn grammar, you read through the rules and complete exercises – usually by filling in gaps with the correct forms. But that’s not always enjoyable, and it doesn’t necessarily help you understand or apply the grammar effectively. Here are a few alternative suggestions:

 

Listen to a grammar podcast

There are podcasts that explain various grammar topics. You can download them and listen whenever, wherever – and as often as you like.

Example:
BBC Learning English - Easy grammar - 6 Minute Grammar

Watch a grammar video

Many teachers publish videos online that explain grammar topics. Compared to podcasts, videos have a clear advantage: you can see structured examples, colour-coded visuals, and usually simplified language. Some videos include exercises, others link to pages with written explanations.

Examples:

Use visual representations

  1. Infographics

    Infographics are visual tools that combine graphics, images, and text to present information clearly and concisely.

    Example Ser/estar

    Benefits of using infographics in language learning:

    - Simplification: Grammar rules (or vocabulary) are broken down into smaller, easier-to-digest parts.

    - Engagement: Visual content is more appealing – it uses colours, shapes and design elements that make information easier to remember.

  2. Create your own flashcards or infographics

    Designing your own learning materials  – such as flashcards or infographics – can further reinforce what you’re trying to learn. The process of creating them helps you actively engage with the content and structure the information in a meaningful way. 

    - We engage in much more active thinking when we decide for ourselves how to present something and which example sentences to choose.

    - More of our senses are involved when we don't just look at something but actually write or draw it ourselves – this helps anchor information in different ways, imprinting it in our memory.

Discussing a problem

It’s always helpful to read and revise individually. But it can also be beneficial to talk things through with a study partner. Doing so can:

  • make it clearer where there are still gaps in your understanding – and allow you to close them together,
  • lead to deeper understanding, as each person brings their own perspective and contributes new ideas,
  • increase motivation, as learning together is often more enjoyable,
  • build confidence in using the language.

You can find more tips on how to find learning partners in the section “Improving Your Speaking Skills”.