Is Learning Grammar Important?

Is grammar important?

It matters, but not as much as we were taught. Traditional schooling (and early IELTS lore) over‑emphasised complex structures. High scorers today point to the real driver: natural, fluent communication. Grammar and vocabulary are tools to serve that goal.

In class:

• Prioritise meaning first. Help learners get their message out before you correct.
• Use delayed, focused feedback: after the task, choose one or two issues to improve rather than fixing everything at once.
• Keep the listener in mind. Communication is about the other person understanding you — not about displaying fancy forms.