Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[DennisLai]

Dear teachers:
I'm wondering that if grammar is very important when speaking English.
I always afraid that I'll make some mistakes on grammar when speaking English.
When I speak English I spend a period of time to think if the grammar is right. That makes me speak English not fluently.
I afraid that there might be some misunderstanding that if I make mistakes on grammar.
So, is grammar very important when speaking English?

Thank you. ~^.^~

[pugachevV]

It is important if you're writing formal stuff. But the purpose of every language is to communicate. Perfect grammar is not essential for communication.

e.g.If you said, "Please, where bus station?" Any English speaker would know what you meant and direct you to the bus station.

[Lorikeet]

I have a friend whose English has grammar mistakes but I can usually understand. Sometimes, however, there is a mistake that affects meaning. For example, he thought that "just now" meant the past tense. It works fine if you say, "He left just now." which is the recent past, but he was saying, "I leaving just now." and I couldn't tell from that that he meant the past tense. (Note, also, that "I was leaving just now." means you were on the way to leaving, but hadn't left yet.) So it depends on whether or not you are being understood. In general, there shouldn't be a problem.

[lotus]

As everyone says, just practice and use the language and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Most people will understand you. If they correct you, it means that they understood you and they care.
_________________
War does not make one great --Yoda

[DennisLai]

Oh! yes! The purpose of every language is to communicate.
I think I won't be afraid of speaking. Just let others know what I mean.
Thank you all. ^.^